What exactly is colorectal cancer
Identifying colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer, which also includes colon or bowel (rectal) cancer, is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control.
Family history of disease: The risk factor increases if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
Three main signs: The three main symptoms of colorectal cancer are: persistent blood in or on your stool.
Colorectal cancer symptoms: Colorectal cancer doesn't always cause symptoms, especially at first.
Where does the cancer develop: The cancer develops on the colon's mucus membrane.
How does the cancer develop: Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum.
Colorectal cancer symptoms: Colorectal cancer doesn't always cause symptoms, especially at first.
Colorectal cancer stages: If left untreated, the cancer will take hold. This image illustrates the various stages of development.
Slow to appear: In fact, colorectal cancer can take many years to develop, as long as 10-15 years.
Who's most at risk: It's a common cancer in men and women, with 66 being the median age of diagnosis among both sexes.