Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the 3rd leading in deaths in women in the USA. More than 90% of colorectal cancer cases affect individuals 50 years of age or older.
Colon cancer begins as abnormal growth on the inner lining of the colon or the rectum, also known as a polyp. Not all polyp is cancerous, but adenomatous polyps, hyperplastic polyps, and inflammatory polyps can sometimes change into cancer.
Colon cancer starts in the innermost layer (the mucosa) of the colon and rectum, but it can grow through the rest of its layers as well. From there cancer can grow into blood vessels and lymph nodes, and from there travel to the rest of the body.
Join the movement to increase colorectal cancer screenings and decrease mortality rates.