Colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is more common than many people realize. In the United States, it ranks as the fourth most diagnosed cancer and tragically holds the position as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 4.7% of American men and women will be diagnosed with this form of cancer at some point in their lives. That’s roughly 1 in 21 people.

The good news? Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer—especially with early detection, lifestyle adjustments, and routine screening.

In this article, we’ll break down what colorectal cancer is, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can reduce your risk and potentially protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon (the main part of the large intestine) or the rectum (the last few inches before the anus). Because these cancers share many similarities, they’re often grouped together under the single term: colorectal cancer.

Most cases start as adenocarcinomas, which are cancers that originate in the mucus-producing glands lining the inner wall of the colon and rectum.

Colorectal cancer doesn’t discriminate based on gender. It affects men and women equally, with 90% of cases occurring in individuals over the age of 50. However, in recent years, doctors have seen a rise in diagnoses among younger adults—a trend that’s still being studied.