It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, with only lung cancer taking more lives each year. Some 56,000 men and women will die from the disease, surpassing both breast cancer and prostate cancer in mortality. Estimates are that regular screenings for men and women over 50 years of age could save 30,000 lives per year if all cases were found at an early stage. Symptoms Cancer of the colon and rectum strikes both men and women alike nearly equally.
Older age is the single most important factor.
A low fat diet, high in vegetable and fruit intake and regular exercise can also lower the risk for developing colorectal cancer. All men and women over 50 should get screened regularly. Those with a personal or family history might need to be screened before age 50. There are five colorectal cancer screening procedures available. The frequency of screening depends on the person's medical history and their physician recommendations.