It’s a fact. The more you know about colorectal cancer, the easier it may be to protect yourself from it. Colorectal Cancer can affect anyone. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It usually occurs after age 50, but it may develop earlier in life.

Your risk of developing colorectal cancer may be higher than average if:

• You’ve had polyps or colorectal cancer before.
• A close relative has had polyps or colorectal cancer before.
• You have ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or a genetic condition that predisposes you to polyps or colorectal cancer.

Other factors such as your weight, activity level, diet, and use of tobacco or alcohol may increase your risk as well.

It can be stopped before it starts. Most cancers in the colon and rectum begin as polyps. These are small growths that can turn into cancer. A colonoscopy is a screening test that allows doctors to see the entire colon. During the test, your doctor may be able to remove any polyps he or she finds before they become cancerous. So, in this case, a medical test may help prevent cancer from developing.

Help make colon cancer history by talking to your provider about getting your screening today.