Colorectal cancer, rectum cancer, or CRC, usually begins in the large intestine known as colon, which is the final part of the digestive tract. The majority of CRCs grow slowly over many years, with almost 1 in 20 people developing the disease at some point in life. Over the past few years, the chances of survival have increased thanks to early screening and improved treatments.
Although it can occur at any age, the cancer typically affects adults above 50 years. CRC usually begins as small, benign clusters of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon; however, over a period of time, some of these polyps can become cancerous. Regular screening tests may help prevent colorectal cancer by detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are some of the effective treatment options for colorectal cancer.