Download Colorectal Cancer Facts

Colorectal Cancer Facts
What You Should Know About Colorectal Cancer
The The main part of the large intestine that absorbs water and minerals from food and eliminates
bodily waste through the rectum. colon [1] is the biggest part of the large intestine and one of the most
important parts of the body’s digestive system. It helps in the final stages of digestion, absorbing water and
minerals from food and eliminating bodily waste through the The final section of the large intestine.rectum
[1]. Because the colon is such a vital part of your body, it’s important to keep it in good health.
Gallbladder Colon Cecum Anus Liver Stomach Small Intestine Rectum
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Cancer is one of the most serious conditions that can affect the colon. Colorectal cancer is the term health
care providers may use to describe this type of cancer as it encompasses colon cancer and/or rectal cancer,
which is a cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Because colon cancer and rectal cancer have many
features in common, they are often grouped together as colorectal cancer.1 Colon cancer is the third biggest cancer killer of both men and women in the United States.1,2 It is expected
to cause approximately 49,700 deaths in the United States during 2015.3
Almost all colorectal cancers start as small growths called A small growth that develops in the lining of a
cavity in the body, such as the colon. polyps [1].1 These polyps can grow for many years before turning
cancerous.1 In the early stages of colorectal cancer, there may be no symptoms. You could have cancer and
not even know it, which is why it is so important to talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer screening [2].
By the time symptoms develop, the cancer might have progressed to an advanced stage, making it difficult
to treat.1 References
Colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society website.
1. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003096-pdf.pdf [3]. Accessed June
20, 2014.
Cancer Facts & Figures 2014. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2014. American Cancer Society
2. Pub. No. 500813. American Cancer Society website.
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@research/documents/webcontent/acspc-042151.pdf
[4]
. Accessed June 20, 2014.
Cancer Facts & Figures 2015. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2015. American Cancer Society
3. Pub. No. 500815. American Cancer Society website.
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@editorial/documents/document/acspc-044552.pdf [5]
. Accessed February 19, 2015.