Colorectal Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. (However, in almost all cases, early diagnosis can lead to a complete cure.) Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). Such cancer is sometimes referred to as "colorectal cancer."

There is no single cause for colon cancer. Nearly all colon cancers begin as benign polyps, which slowly develop into cancer.
You have a higher risk for colon cancer if you have:

• Colorectal polyps
• Cancer elsewhere in the body
• A family history of colon cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Personal history of breast cancer

Certain genetic syndromes also increase the risk of developing colon cancer.

What you eat may play a role in your risk of colon cancer. Colon cancer may be associated with a high-fat, low-fiber diet and red meat. However, some studies found that the risk does not drop if you switch to a high-fiber diet, so the cause of the link is not yet clear.