What is CRC?

Colorectal Cancer—commonly called colon cancer—is cancer of the colon (part of the large intestine) or rectum. Colon cancer may begin as non-cancerous polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon or rectum. These polyps can become cancerous.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer each year, and an estimated 50,000 die from it. But this doesn’t have to be the case.

The Preventable Cancer

Colon cancer is one cancer that is preventable with early and regular screening. Screening can catch polyps before they become cancerous, and when caught early, colon cancer can be cured.

Colon Cancer Facts

  • Starting at age 50, men and women should be screened regularly for colon cancer. Screening tests are not painful, and are often covered by Medicare and health insurance.
  • Regular screening tests can detect pre-cancerous polyps. Removal of these polyps can prevent cancer from developing.
  • When detected and treated early, the five-year survival rate is over 90%.
  • If you have symptoms at any age, it is important to get screened.
  • Colonoscopy is one of the most effective screening methods for finding and removing colon polyps—preventing colon cancer before it starts.

Screening Saves Lives

Screening saves lives by preventing cancer through detection and removal of pre-cancerous polyps, and by detecting cancer in its earliest, most curable stages. 30,000 lives a year could be saved if everyone over 50 or at risk got screened for colon cancer.

Different screening options are available. Talk with your doctor about what kind of screening is right for you.