In 1999, an estimated 129,400 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 56,600 people will die of this cancer in the United States. Many colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with widespread adoption of screening. Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps. Colorectal polyps are tiny growths inside the colon or rectum that later may become cancer.
Screening tests can find polyps.
Removing them can prevent cancer. Colorectal cancer can develop with few if any symptoms at first. Nevertheless, some signs of the disease can include blood in or on the stool, a change in bowel habits, stools that are narrower than usual, general stomach discomfort, frequent gas pains, or weight loss. If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. Only he or she can determine if they are caused by cancer or other conditions.