The good news: Early detection of colon and rectal cancer saves four out of five lives.

Colorectal Cancer

The colon and rectum are parts of the body’s digestive system, which removes nutrients from food and stores waste until it passes out of the body. Together, the colon and rectum form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also called the large bowel). The colon is the first 6 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last 8 to 10 inches. Colorectal cancer most often strikes men and women over the age of 50.

Click here for the Colorectal Cancer Screening and Family History forms. Please print out and share with your doctor to see when you should have your colorectal screening.

More than 150,000 men and women in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. More than 52,000 will die from the disease.

"The most significant thing I can tell you is that colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is preventable, treatable and beatable if diagnosed in its earliest, most curable stages," said Dr. John Stancher, a gastroenterologist at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. "Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. However, with education and awareness about the importance of regular screenings, we can save lives."

Colon and Rectal Cancer Warning Signs

• A change in bowel habits
• Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness and/or cramps)
• Weight loss with no known reason
• Constant tiredness
• Vomiting

These symptoms may be caused by colorectal cancer or by other conditions. It is important to check with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. A colonoscopy may be required.

Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening Guidelines

Dr. Stancher and the UT Medical Center's Cancer Institute urge those at risk to get regular colorectal cancer screening tests. Men and women with family members who have had colorectal cancer should consult with their physician about when to begin screening. Click here to find out about UT Medical Center's colorectal cancer screening.
For the most recent, comprehensive screening guidelines for colorectal cancer, read "Can Colorectal Polyps and Cancer Be Found Early?"

More information also can be found from the National Cancer Institute’s Colon and Rectal Cancer page. Remember, with colorectal cancer—as with all other types of cancer—early detection is the best way to fight the disease.

Click here for more information regarding gastroenterology services.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute.