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Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer and second leading cancer killer in the United States.
Colorectal cancer primarily affects men and women aged 50 years or older. For men, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after prostate cancer and lung cancer. For women, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after breast cancer and lung cancer.
Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.
Diets high in fat are believed to predispose people to colorectal cancer. In countries with high colorectal cancer rates, the fat intake by the population is much higher than in countries with low cancer rates. It is believed that the breakdown products of fat metabolism lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). Diets high in vegetables and high-fiber foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals may rid the bowel of these carcinogens and help reduce the risk of cancer.
Doctors are certain that colorectal cancer is not contagious. Some people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than others. Factors that increase a person's risk of colorectal cancer include high fat intake, a family history of colorectal cancer and polyps, the presence of polyps in the large intestine, and chronic ulcerative colitis.
Symptoms include change in frequency, quality and consistency of stools, bloody stools, stools with mucus, anemia, dizziness, weakness and unexplained weight loss.
Treatment depends on the stage the cancer is in but may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or immunotherapy.
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