The colon and rectum are parts of the body’s digestive system. They function to remove nutrients from the food we eat, and to store waste until it passes out of the body. Together, the colon and rectum form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also called the large bowel). The colon is the first 6 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last 8 to 10 inches. More information is available at the National Cancer Institute.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. It almost always develops from polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when it is a highly treatable and often curable disease. Colorectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, especially in the early stages when it is most treatable, making screening especially important.

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in New Mexico and second leading cause of cancer death. Studies suggest that many of these deaths and new cases may be preventable with appropriate cancer screening. Unfortunately, less than half of New Mexicans aged 50 and older have been recently screened for colorectal cancer. Not surprisingly, more than half of the colorectal cancers diagnosed in New Mexico are found at an advanced stage – when these cancers are least curable.

Because colorectal cancer can be prevented with appropriate screening, adults at average risk for colorectal cancer should discuss screening with their physicians beginning at 50 years of age. Individuals who may be at higher risk for colorectal cancer should talk with their physician about beginning screening at even younger ages.