Colorectal cancer occurs in men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. Approximately 75% of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. Other important facts about risk for colorectal cancer include: More than 90% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people aged 50 or older. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. A family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps may increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer.

There is strong scientific evidence that having regular screening tests for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50 reduces deaths from colorectal cancer. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon and rectum, and polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. Studies have also shown that increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is quite common in North America and it is estimated that at least 1 in 20 individuals will develop the cancer in the course of a life time. The majority of these cancers occur in individuals over the age of 50. Family history of polyps. The risk of colorectal cancer is also significantly increased in individuals who have a first degree relative (child, parent, sibling) with the cancer). Certain genetically inherited disorders.

Results from this paper suggest that changing dietary patterns, as the Dietary Change group did, in postmenopausal mid to later life may have limited benefit in preventing colorectal cancers in postmenopausal women.

Answer: Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide without control and can spread to other parts of the body. The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine (large bowel). Colon and rectum cancers which are sometimes referred to together as "colorectal cancer" arise from the lining of the large intestine. When cancer arises from the lining of an organ like the large intestine it is called a carcinoma.

Answer: WHI researchers will be looking at these issues in future analyses so the information is not yet available.

Women need to examine their breasts once a month, as well as get regular breast examinations, mammograms, and Pap smears Ask your doctor for other specific recommendations, particularly if you have a family history of cancer

Answer: A woman was less likely to develop colorectal cancer if she was taking E+P. For every 10,000 women taking estrogen plus progestin, six fewer women will develop colorectal cancer while taking estrogen plus progestin. While reducing the risk developing the risk of developing colorectal cancer is favorable, the colorectal cancer cases which developed in women taking E+P were more advanced; about 76% had spread to lymph nodes or elsewhere in the body, compared to 49% of women on placebo.

Most people have about a six percent chance of developing colon cancer at some point in their lives. Some things, like a personal or family history of cancer, may increase your risk. Other things, like following colon cancer screening guidelines, decrease your risk.

Research shows that certain risk factors can increase the chance that a person will develop cancer. The most common risk factors for cancer are: Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history, cannot be avoided. People can help protect themselves by staying away from known risk factors whenever possible. If you think you may be at risk for cancer, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Work exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, such as those used in leather, wood, rubber, and textile industries. Schistosomiasis, which is an infection with the parasite Schistosoma haematobium. This condition is sometimes found in developing countries and rarely occurs in the United States.

Answer: Invasive colorectal cancer involves abnormal cells from the colon or rectum which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body.

Answer: Fecal occult blood test: (FOBT) is used to find occult “hidden” blood in the stool if FOBT detects blood in the stool additional testing is needed to determine the cause of the bleeding. Certain foods and drugs can also influence test FOBT test results. For this test a kit with instructions is usually given that explains how to take the stool samples at home (usually 3 specimens). The kit is then returned to the doctor's office or medical laboratory for testing.

Answer: Symptoms that could be associated with colorectal cancer include a change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days; cramping or steady abdominal (stomach area) pain; weakness and fatigue; rectal bleeding or blood in or on the stool; or a feeling of having to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so. Since other conditions can cause these symptoms, a medical work up is needed.

Colon polyps usually do not cause symptoms unless they are larger than 1 cm (0.4 in.) or they are cancerous. The most common symptom is rectal bleeding. Sometimes the bleeding may not be obvious (occult) and may only be discovered after doing a screening test for blood in the stool called a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Colon polyps usually do not cause pain or a change in bowel habits unless they are large and are blocking part of the colon.

The exact cause of most colorectal cancers is not yet known. About 75% of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. There are some known factors that may increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer, which include: Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). (Just 5% of colorectal cancers are linked to these genetic syndromes.)