CRC Overview
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer both in men and women.¹ In fact, over 56,000 Americans die from CRC every year.¹ Although more than 90% of cases of CRC occur in people over the age of 50, other factors that can increase a person's risk of developing CRC include^1,2:

• Personal or family history of CRC or polyps (growths of tissue)
• Ethnicity (Jews of Eastern European descent [Ashkenazi Jews] may have a higher rate of colon cancer)
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Smoking
• Heavy use of alcohol
• Being overweight
• A diet high in fat and red meat
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Lack of exercise

The good news is that when CRC is detected early, it is 90% curable with treatment.¹ Make sure you talk to your doctor about screening for CRC.

Click here for more information on screening.

References


1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2004. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/stt_0.asp. Accessed November 29, 2004.



2. American Cancer Society. Overview: Colon and Rectum Cancer. What Causes Colorectal Cancer? Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?rnav=criov&dt=10. Accessed November 29, 2004.