Individuals who have close family members with colorectal cancer are at higher risk of developing this disease. The term colorectal refers to two parts of the lower intestine. Food and gastric juices mix in the stomach. The mixture moves through the small intestine and into the colon where fluid is removed. The solid waste enters the rectum where it remains until it leaves the body as stool in a bowel movement.
Cancer develops when cells that line the colon and rectum begin to grow out of control.
Some people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than others. Studies have found that certain factors increase a person's risk. By eating a low-fat, high fibre diet, your risk of developing colon cancer may be lowered. Removing polyps is an important way to prevent colorectal cancer. People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.