Facts Each year in the United States, over 133,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed, according to the American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer, after prostate, breast, and lung cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 55,000 people die from colorectal cancers annually. The good news is that the incidence of colorectal cancer has decreased substantially in recent years. If it is detected early, before it has spread, colorectal cancer is very treatable and can often be cured.
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum.
The colon and rectum are part of the body's digestive system. The purpose of the digestive system is to remove nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and proteins from the food you eat so your body can use them. The colon and rectum then store the waste until it passes out of the body. The digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The last 6 feet of the large intestine is called the large bowel or colon.