March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly over a period of many years. Before a true cancer develops, it usually begins as a noncancerous polyp, which may eventually change into cancer. A polyp is a growth of tissue that develops on the lining of the colon or rectum. Certain kinds of polyps, called adenomatous polyps or adenomas, are most likely to become cancers, although most adenomas do not become cancerous. More than half of all individuals will eventually develop one or more adenomas. About 96% of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas, which evolve from glandular tissue. The great majority of colon and rectum cancers arise from an adenomatous polyp, which is visible through a scope or on an x-ray.

Colorectal cancer is equally common in men and women. An estimated 147,000 people will be diagnosed in 2010, and an estimated 50,000 people will die from the disease. With recommended screening, this cancer can be prevented (by removing polyps before they become cancerous) or detected early, when it can be more easily and successfully treated.

Help raise awareness at the colon cancer challenge

People who are at risk

Men and women age 50 and older
People who use tobacco, are obese or are sedentary
People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or benign (not cancerous) colorectal polyps
People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as long standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
People with a family history of inherited colorectal cancer

Early Detection
If you are at average risk for colorectal cancer, start having regular screening at age 50. If you are at greater risk, you may need to begin regular screening at an earlier age. The best time to get screened is before any symptoms appear.

Screening intervals for tests that find pre-cancer and cancer:
Colonoscopy: Every 10 years
Virtual colonoscopy: Every 5 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Every 5 years
Double-contrast barium enema: Every 5 years