However, the rates are very high in North America and northern and western Europe. Rectal cancer occurs in half as many people as colon cancer. The majority of the cases occur in people between the ages of 50 and 75. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 60 years old. People with chronic ulcers, women with a history of breast cancer, and people with a family history of colorectal cancer are at high risk.
Studies show that diet plays a role in colorectal cancer.
Lowering the amount of fat and increasing the amount of fiber in the diet can reduce the risk. Although there has been no proven link, studies are being done on the affects of frying, smoking, and grilling certain meats and fish. The treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the general health of the patient, and other factors. There are a number of different surgical procedures depending on the extent of the disease. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and clinical trials are also types of treatments.