• Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.
• Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer.
 
• Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer.
• Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best

Risks

• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.

Symptoms/warning signs

• Change in bowel habits (Frequency/Consistency)
• Blood in stool.
• Pains, aches, or cramps in abdomen that do not go away.
• Unexplained loss of weight.