If that colonoscopy is normal, the procedure should then be repeated every 5 years. Figures 7 and 8 show the different anatomical areas of the colon and the distribution of polyps and cancers that develop in these areas. The numbers shown in each figure refer to the percentage of polyps and cancers that may develop in that particular anatomic section of the colon. Myth Rectal bleeding that resolves is not due to colorectal cancer. Fact Rectal bleeding can be caused by many factors, including cancer.
Patients often make the mistake of attributing rectal bleeding only to hemorrhoids.
When the bleeding stops, patients often do not seek proper medical care. Polyps and cancers bleed intermittently, so an episode of rectal bleeding may be the first sign of colorectal cancer. Therefore, rectal bleeding should always be properly evaluated to rule out colon cancer. Because colon cancer is a common and serious disease, most people are already screened for the disease by their physicians. Despite recommendations for screening of colon cancer, most Americans are currently not screened for colon cancer.