What Is Colo-Rectal Cancer?
How Can Colon & Rectal Cancer Be Found Early?
How Can I Know If I Am At Risk For Colon and Rectal Cancer?
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Colon Cancer?

Colon and Rectal Cancer

This is a cancer that affects the colon and the rectum of the digestive system. The colon is a part of the body's digestive system. The digestive system breaks down the food we eat and stores what we need to nourish our body. The colon stores the waste or the end product of what we have eaten that the body does not need. This waste leaves our body as stool. The Rectum is the last 6-8 inches of the colon.

How Can Colon & Rectal Cancer Be Found Early?

Ask your doctor. Through early screening and examination colon and rectal cancer can be found early by testing your stool or have your colon and rectum examined.

How Can I Know If I Am At Risk For Colon & Rectal Cancer?

It is important to know the risk factors for colon and rectal cancer.

• Age: Men & women 40 and older.
• Polyps: These are growths on the wall of the colon or rectum that can lead to colorectal cancer.
• Diet: Eating too many foods high in fat and low in fiber will increase your risk of colon cancer. It is suggested that we eat a low fat, high fiber diet.
• Family History: If there is a family member who has had colon or rectal cancer or a history of
• Bowel Disease:Bowel disease you could be at risk for getting this cancer

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of ColoRectal Cancer?

• Changes in bowel habits for example constipation or diarrhea.
• Having blood in the stool.
• Stools that always look narrow.
• Decrease in appetite.
• Weight loss
• Stomach pains.
• Feeling tired.