Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal (colon) cancer is one of the most common cancers in New York State and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among all people. Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. The colon and rectum are part of the body's digestive system. To learn more about the colon and rectum – where they are and how they work, visit http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/.

People of all racial and ethnic groups get colorectal cancer. With regular testing (also called screening), colorectal cancer can be stopped before it starts, or found early when it is easier to treat.

Everyone should talk to their health care provider about their risk for colorectal cancer and at what age to begin regular testing.