Colon cancer is cancer that can arise anywhere in the large intestine. The number of new cases has fallen in recent years.

Risk factors for colon cancer include:
* a personal or family history of colon cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease,
* prior endometrial, ovarian or breast cancer, or
* eating a high-fat and a low-fiber diet.

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
* rectal bleeding,
* blood in the stool, or
* a change in bowel habits.

Should symptoms occur, a colonoscopy (viewing the entire colon with a fiberoptic scope) , or a barium enema may be performed. If polyps or lesions are seen, they will be biopsied or removed. If cancer is found, surgery, chemo and, or, radiotherapy may be performed.

For all those over age 50, and those who are younger with risk factors, the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force recommends:
* an annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) , or
* a sigmoidoscopy (viewing the lower colon with a flexible fiberoptic scope) , or both.

Digital rectal exam, barium enema and colonoscopy are not recommended as a routine cancer screening measure at this time.

When colon cancers are detected in an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is 91 percent. Visit your doctor regularly. Follow his or her recommendations for prevention and routine cancer detection.

To learn more about colon cancer, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

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