Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people aged 50 years or older.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn't have to be. With certain types of screening, this cancer can be prevented by removing polyps--abnormal growths in the colon or rectum--before they become cancerous. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment most often leads to a cure.
If you're 50 or older, getting a screening test for colorectal cancer may save your life. The best time to get screened is before you have any symptoms. There are many ways to get screened, so talk with your health care professional about which option may be right for you.
REMEMEBER: Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable!!!
The California Colorectal Cancer Program (CaCCP) aims to save lives by increasing screening and early detection of colon cancer. We hope this website will help you learn more about colon cancer and the CaCCP program.