This week's artwork was donated by Gavin, a pediatric cancer patient who received treatment at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia . It affects more than 150,000 people each year, occurring more frequently in men than in women. Although all its causes are not known, diets low in fiber and high in animal fats appear to increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon and rectum, the last parts of the digestive system.
Your risk also increases with age. In fact, the majority of cases are diagnosed in people over age 50. Because this type of cancer is highly curable when found early, colorectal cancer screening is an important part of standard medical care for people age 50 and up. Blood in the stool or toilet bowl or on the toilet paper. Stools that appear very narrow or ribbon-like.