Facts to Know

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1. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 106,680 new cases of colon cancer (49,220 in men and 57,460 women) and 41,930 new cases of rectal cancer (23,580 men and 18,350 women) will be diagnosed in 2006. Combined, these cancers are predicted to cause about 55,170 deaths (27,870 men and 27,300 women) during 2006.

2. While colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men and the third most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S., incidence among Caucasian people has been decreasing, perhaps due to improved screening methods. Among African-Americans, however, incidence rates have remained relatively stable.

3. The risk of developing colorectal cancer is highest among those with a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, and those who have inflammatory bowel disease.

4. The risk of developing colorectal cancer is highest among those with a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps, and those who have inflammatory bowel disease.

5. Except for those with hereditary conditions that may predispose them to developing colorectal cancer relatively early in life, 90 percent of all cases occur after the age of 50. The average age for developing the disease is 62.

6. Tumors that grow in the large intestine are called polyps. A biopsy determines if the polyp is benign (not cancerous) or malignant. Benign polyps can be precancerous (adenoma) or not precancerous (hyperplastic). All colorectal cancers develop from adenomatous polyps that grow over years. By age 50, polyps are found in approximately 30 percent of the population. Within several years of their onset, adenomatous polyps can become cancerous if they are not removed. In addition, once a person has an adenoma, she is more likely to form them again. A personal or family history of adenomatous polyps is considered a risk factor for developing colon cancer.

7. Undergoing appropriate screening for colorectal cancer can decrease death rates from this cancer by at least 60 percent. Colorectal cancer screening is designed to detect and remove precancerous polyps (adenomas) before they turn into cancer and to diagnose cancer at the earliest stages.

8. If you or a close relative were diagnosed with colon cancer at age 45, then other members of your family should begin screening around age 35. If you have a close relative with colorectal cancer, you should begin screening at the age of 40 or 10 years before the age at which the youngest relative was diagnosed with cancer.

9. Cancer specialists are using more aggressive strategies to make sure cancer does not return after surgery. You may receive both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to increase your chances of a complete cure. These treatments destroy microscopic accumulations of cancer cells that can't be seen or removed during surgery.

10. Surgical removal of tumors leads to a complete cure in 63 to 97 percent of those whose cancer is detected at an early stage.

11. You may be able to reduce your risk for cancer by eating a diet high in fiber and low in fat, getting plenty of exercise, taking calcium and folic acid, and having regular colorectal cancer screenings.