|Colorectal Cancer Risks, Prevention, and Testing|
|National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance|
| Last Modified: November 1, 2001
Colorectal cancer develops slowly over a long period of time, usually starting out as a small polyp on the inner colon wall. By removing these polyps, it is usually possible to prevent colorectal cancer. Early detection of these colorectal polyps is the key to protection against this disease.
There are simple steps anyone can take to greatly reduce their risk of this preventable, yet deadly, cancer.
Both men and women are at equal risk for colorectal cancer.
The older you are, the higher your risk; nevertheless, 13,000 cases will still be diagnosed in people under 50.
0 African Americans have higher colorectal cancer rates than men and women of other racial and ethnic groups.
Other unhealthy habits like smoking or being overweight increase your risk for colorectal cancer.
A big risk factor is having a family history or personal history of the following:
TestsBlood Stool Test
A Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a simple at-home test that can be taken in the privacy of your own home. One type of test checks for blood in the stool in a toilet bowl. The other type of test requires a smear sample of your stool (feces) to be sent to a lab to look for hidden blood - a sign of possible colorectal cancer. (Annually)