Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as non-cancerous polyps that grow on the wall of the colon and rectum. For reasons that are not fully understood, these polyps can become cancerous. When discovered in its early stages, colorectal cancer is up to 90 percent curable. It is estimated that 30,000 lives a year could be saved through widespread adoption of colorectal cancer screening. African Americans are 14 percent more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 34 percent more likely to die from it than Caucasian Americans.
Colorectal cancer can affect anyone.
Unless you are at an increased risk, screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 50. Have a personal or family history of non-cancerous polyps in the colon the risk of developing colorectal cancer is doubled. Individuals whose relatives developed polyps before age 60 are at greatest risk. Are African American or Hispanic. These populations are often diagnosed at later, less curable stages of the disease.