Common Risk Factors for the Deadliest Cancers

2. Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer occurs in the lower part of the digestive system known as the large intestine, while rectal cancer is cancer of the last few inches of the colon. Colon cancer usually begins as noncancerous polyps that become cancerous over time. An estimated 142,820 new cases of colorectal cancer and 50,830 related deaths occurred in the US in 2013.

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Review Date: 
March 12, 2014

Last Updated:
July 1, 2014