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                Minority Health and Health Equity Resources

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          Colorectal CancerMinority Health and Health Equity Resources Colorectal Cancer
  
  	
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              doctor showing notebook to patientFact Sheet: Download and Share    Brochure: Download and Share    Infographics: Download and Share

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. Despite being one of the most preventable types of cancer, over 50,000 deaths from colorectal cancer occur each year. African Americans and American Indians/Alaska Natives are disproportionately affected. Health care providers recommend routine screening starting at age 45, or earlier if you are at higher risk.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer usually develops from polyps or other precancerous growths in the large intestine (comprised of the colon and rectum). The cancer cells may spread from the growth to other parts of the body in advanced stages.

Who is affected by colorectal cancer?

Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people over the age of 50, but rates are going up for younger adults. African Americans and American Indians/Alaska Natives have the highest rates of colorectal cancer. Factors that increase your risk of colorectal cancer include:

Family or personal history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or other intestinal conditions
	Type 2 diabetes
	Lack of exercise
	Overweight or obese
	Tobacco use
	Consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks per dayWhat are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. If you have symptoms, they may include:

Changes in bowel movements
	Constipation or diarrhea
		Narrow or bloody stools
		Feeling your bowel is not fully empty
	Vomiting
	Sudden weight loss
	Gas pains or cramps
	Feeling tired or weakWhat should I know about screening?

Several non-invasive screening tests are available that can find precancerous changes in stool, tissues, blood, and genes. How often you need to be screened depends on the type of test selected.

If colorectal cancer is found early and treated properly, the survival rate is high for 9 out of 10 people. Health care providers recommend routine screening starting at age 45, or earlier if you are at higher risk.

How is colorectal cancer treated?

Your health care provider will recommend treatment based on the stage of the cancer and your overall health. Several medications act to destroy cancer cells or block them from spreading. Other medications boost the body’s immune system. Cancerous cells can also be surgically removed or destroyed by FDA-approved treatments like freezing, radiation, or chemical injection.

Colorectal cancer and clinical trials

The FDA encourages diverse participation in clinical trials. If you think a clinical trial may be right for you, talk to your health care provider. You can also search for clinical trials in your area at **www.ClinicalTrials.gov**.

For more information on health equity, visit **www.fda.gov/healthequity**.

Download Colorectal Cancer Resources

Fact Sheet: Colorectal Cancer
	Brochure: Stages and Treatment
	Infographics: What Is Colorectal Cancer?

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      05/04/2022
              
              
Health Topic(s)
			  Cancer Screening
			    			       			    			       Colon CancerMinority Health and Health Equity Resources

          
                        Alzheimer's Disease
          Asthma
          Clinical Trial Diversity
          Colorectal Cancer
          Diabetes
          Heart Disease
          Hepatitis B
          Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
          Hypertension
          Immunization
          Lupus
          Rural Health
          Sickle Cell Disease
          Stroke
          Commercial Tobacco Use in American Indian and Alaska Native Populations
          Tobacco Use
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