Downloads Downloads Media Media Order Form Order Form Partnerships Partnerships CCA Home CCA Home Know the Issues Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in North America, second only to lung cancer. This year, more than 130,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 56,300 will die of the disease. However, when colorectal cancer is detected early and treated promptly, suffering and loss of life can be significantly reduced.
Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon, rectum, appendix, and anus.
When abnormal cell growth occurs, a tumor develops. If the cells of a tumor develop the ability to invade and thus spread into the intestinal wall and to other sites, a malignant or cancerous tumor develops. Although colorectal cancer can strike at any age, more than 9 out of 10 new cases are in people age 50 or older. African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a later stage and are more likely to die from the disease. A personal history of colon cancer or intestinal polyps and diseases such as chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn's Disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer.