The transverse colon goes across the body to the left side. The descending colon continues downward on the left side. The sigmoid colon, named for its S-shape, connects to the rectum, which in turn joins the anus, where waste matter passes out of the body . Pictures courtesy of Three River Endoscopy Colonoscopy enables specialists to directly examine most of the colon and rectum of a patient suspected of having developed a colorectal tumor. Each year, approximately 140,000 Americans develop colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people die of the disease.
Colorectal cancer affects men and women with nearly equal frequency.
One in 25 American adults develops colon cancer. Most patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer are 65 years of age or older. Cancers of the colon and rectum usually arise from growths called polyps . Only a small fraction of polyps become cancerous, and most grow so slowly that most people are unaware of them. Risk Factors Colorectal cancer seems to occur most often among people who consume diets high in fats and starches, and low in fiber.