Each year, over 146,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, making it the third most common cancer in both men and women. And nearly 57,000 Americans will die from this disease. The key to success in reducing the number of these deaths is prevention. Early detection is integral to that process. An awareness of risk factors, a knowledge of signs of the disease, and adherence to screening guidelines can help reduce your chances of developing this malignancy. Two good places for more information on colorectal cancer are the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health at
www.cancer.gov 
and the American Cancer Society at
www.cancer.org .
Risk Factors
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
- Hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer
- Age 50 or older
- A diet based mainly on animal sources, rather than fruits, vegetables, and grains
- No exercise.
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
Signs of Possible Colorectal Cancer
- Change in bowel habits.
- Bloody stool
- Unusually narrow stools
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
- Abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas pains, fullness, or bloating
- Vomiting
- Constant fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
Adapted from the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (www.cancer.gov). Please visit these Web sites for complete information.
Colorectal Screening Guidelines
The colorectal screening guidelines shown below were developed by the American Cancer Society (
www.cancer.org ). You can use this information to discuss your own screening options with your physician.
American Cancer Society Guidelines on Screening and Surveillance for the Early Detection of Colorectal Adenomas and Cancer - Average-Risk Women and Men Ages 50 and Older
