When development is complete, rapid cell multiplication stops. Then new cells are produced only as needed. After this point, if a cell continues to grow without normal control and gains the ability to invade other tissues, a cancer develops. When this occurs in the lining of the large intestine, it is called colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancers most often begin as benign polyps which later develop into cancers.
Colorectal cancers are the second largest cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Early detection by appropriate screening tests can detect and even remove benign polyps and early cancers. The survival rate for people with colorectal cancers found early is more than 90 percent. It was estimated that in 1998, there would be about 135,000 cases of large intestinal cancer detected and that there would be about 57,000 deaths. This is far too many. Lack of Awareness Public awareness of the dangers, prevention and treatment of colon cancer is dismal.