There is nothing I can do about getting colorectal cancer. Few Americans know that colorectal cancer may be preventable. A low-fat diet, high in vegetables and fruits, and exercise may reduce your risk of developing the disease. Since most colorectal cancer develops from polyps grape-like growths on the lining of the colon and rectum screening methods can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous.
Colorectal cancer is fatal.
But only 37 percent of all colorectal cancers are diagnosed at this stage. The remaining 63 percent of patients come to the doctor when the disease has spread regionally or to distant parts of the body. Since symptoms of colorectal cancer are often silent, it is important to obtain regular screenings. Screening is checking for cancer in person with no symptoms. Men and women who are 50 or older should get screened regularly for colorectal cancer.