* An estimated 90 million
Americans are at risk for developing colorectal cancer, the second most
common cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
* It is projected that there will be 56,600 deaths from the disease in 2002.
* Men and women are equally at risk for colon cancer until about age 50.
* 148,300 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed in 2002.
* Major risk factors include having a family history or personal history
of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, colon polyps and/or
cancer of the breast or any gland.
* Symptoms for the disease include change in shape of stool, blood in
stool or rectal bleeding, cramping in your lower stomach and a feeling of
discomfort or an urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need to
have one. |
