What is Colorectal Cancer?
Learn about colorectal cancer symptoms, screenings, and treatments.
Colorectal cancer is when abnormal cells grow together in the colon to form colon polyps or the rectum to form rectal polyps. These polyps can turn into cancer. It’s called colon or rectal cancer depending on where the polyp is located.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S.—the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and the third leading cause for women. It occurs mostly in people older than 50.
An estimated 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if people were screened routinely.
What are the causes of colorectal cancer?
Doctors don’t yet know the causes of colorectal cancer, or what causes a polyp to become cancerous. Colon polyps are common, but must to be found early to avoid turning into cancer.
What are the main colorectal cancer symptoms?
Symptoms of colorectal cancer are usually not evident until the cancer starts to spread. Symptoms include:
- Blood in stool or very dark stools
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Change in bowel habits—more frequent or feeling that the bowels are not emptying completely
- Frequent gas pains or cramps
- Diarrhea or constipation
How is colorectal cancer screening done?
The American Cancer Society recommends regular colorectal cancer screenings for everyone age 50 and older. Doctors can use visual tests, stool-based tests, or both.
- Visual exams include:
- A colonoscopy every 10 years: This screening test involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end to allow the doctor to see the inside of the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy involves removing polyps and taking tissue samples of abnormal polyps.
- A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years: This test is similar to a colonoscopy, but only covers the lower part of the colon.
- Stool-based tests include:
- A highly sensitive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
- A highly sensitive guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) every year
- A multi-targeted stool DNA test (MT-sDNA) every 3 years
What is the treatment for colorectal cancer?
When colorectal cancer is caught early, the survival rate is 91 percent. Colorectal cancer treatment usually includes surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
More Information
Learn more about colorectal cancer screening by calling the American Cancer Society at
Tags
Related
Colorectal Cancer Statistics,
Page Footer
I want to...
Audiences
Secure Member Sites
The Cigna Group Information
Disclaimer
Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see
All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.