The colon and rectum are part of the body's digestive system. Nationally, excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. In New York, about 5,000 men and 5,400 women develop cancer of the colon and rectum each year. About 2,200 men and 2,400 women die from this disease each year in New York State. It is estimated that one in 18 people will develop colorectal cancer sometime during their life.
Colorectal cancer is more common in older people.
At all ages, men are more likely to get colorectal cancer than women. At this time, scientists do not know exactly what causes cancer of the colon and rectum. We do know that certain risk factors increase a person's risk of developing the disease. Currently, cancer of the colon and rectum cannot be prevented. To increase the chances that colorectal cancer is diagnosed early, when it is most treatable, men and women at average risk who are over the age of 50 should discuss available cancer screening procedures with their health care provider.