Colorectal cancer occurs when cells or growths called polyps in the colon or rectum become cancerous. According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosis in the United States and second leading cause of cancer deaths. In 2023, it’s estimated that more than 153,00 American men and women will be diagnosed, and an estimated 52,550 people will die of this disease.
Colon cancer begins in the large intestine at the lower part of the digestive tract. Rectal cancer occurs in the rectum, which is between the colon and anus.
Generally, men are a little more likely than women to develop colorectal cancer and African Americans are at higher risk. Adults above 50 years old are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, although trends are showing that colorectal cancer has been affecting people as young as their 20s.
