Colorectal cancer can originate anywhere in the large intestines.
The majority of colorectal cancers develop first as polyps. Colorectal polyps are tiny growths inside the colon or rectum that may become cancerous. In 1999, the American Cancer Society estimates that 129,400 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 56,600 people will die of this cancer in the United States. Both men and women are at risk for colorectal cancer. A family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.