Why should I worry about colorectal cancer - I thought it affects mostly men?

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States for both men and women. It is found most often in people aged 50 and older. It is a myth that this cancer affects mostly men. Women get colorectal cancer as often as men do (about a 1 in 20 chance).

Colorectal cancer is sometimes called a silent killer. This is because a person can have no symptoms at all at the start of the illness. As the cancer worsens, symptoms start to appear. The good news is that this cancer, if caught early, can be treated and often cured. The even better news is that it can be prevented with screening tests and a healthy lifestyle.