--2nd most deaths for cancers in
the US (lung cancer is 1st)
--Risk increases
with age, mostly occurs over age 50
--Most common symptoms are change in bowel habits, blood in stool
--Almost all colon cancer develops from non-cancerous
polyps. Polyps usually do not turn into cancer, but when they occur it's
important to have them monitored, by having regular screening. Screening after age 50 is crucial -- Unlike other types of cancer, colon
cancer can actually be prevented by screening, because non-cancerous polyps, which
can be removed, almost always precede the cancer..
