Fast Facts on Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer by the Numbers:
- It is the second leading cause of male and female cancer-related deaths in Canada.
- Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. If screened and caught early – the chances of survival increase by 90%.
- Unfortunately as it stands today, nearly half of those diagnosed find out too late.
- Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer.
- 423 Canadians, on average, are diagnosed with colon cancer every week.
- 175 Canadians, on average, die of this disease every week.
- One in 14 men is expected to develop colorectal cancer during his lifetime and one in 27 will die of it.
- One in 15 women is expected to develop colorectal cancer during her lifetime and one in 31 will die of it.
- Anyone 50 and up should be screened regardless of family history.
Risk Factors:
There is no “single cause” for developing this disease, but there are several risk factors that include:
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- Increasing age (risk increases from the age of 50)
- Polyps present in the colon or rectum
- A diet high in fat
- An inactive lifestyle
- Obesity
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Signs and Symptoms:
- Change in bowel movements
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal discomfort
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Feeling that the bowel is not emptying completely
- Narrower than usual stools
- Feelings of weakness or feeling more tired than normal
Source: The Canadian Cancer Society