Colorectal Cancer

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common. Cancer starts when cells in the body start to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas of the body.

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer in men and women in the United States. In the District, it is the 4th leading site of cancer deaths. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best. About nine of 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later (CDC).

What Is Colorectal Cancer Screening?

Colorectal cancer screening is the process of looking for cancer in people who have no symptoms of colorectal cancer. Screening tests for colorectal cancer can help find cancer at an early stage and may decrease the number of deaths from the disease.

Five types of tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer:

Fecal occult blood test
Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy
Virtual colonoscopy
DNA stool test

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/tests.htm

Who should be screened?

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45.
If you think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, learn your family health history and ask your doctor when screening should begin and what test is best for you. Your doctor may recommend screening earlier if:
- You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
- You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

What are risk factors for Colorectal Cancer?

The risk for colorectal cancer increases as you get older. More than 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur in people who are 50 years old or older. Other risk factors include having:

Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

Behaviors and conditions that may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer include:

Lack of regular physical activity
A diet low in fruit and vegetables
A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats
Overweight and obesity
Alcohol consumption
Tobacco use

What are the symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

At the early stage, colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms. Therefore, getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is very important.

Symptoms may include:

Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
Persistent stomach pain, aches, or cramps
Unexpected weight loss

If you have any of these symptoms, consult with your doctor.

For more information, www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/

Colorectal Cancer Burden

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer in men and women in the United States. In the District, it is the fourth leading site of cancer deaths. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best. About nine of 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later (CDC).

The Colorectal Cancer Control Program DC3C

The Colorectal Cancer Control Program (DC3C) is a CDC funded program within the Cancer and Chronic Disease Prevention Bureau of DC Health’s Community Health Administration. DC3C aims to reduce colon cancer incidence and mortality by increasing colorectal cancer screening rates among District residents.

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