Screening for colorectal cancer can be prevention

Screening for colorectal cancer can be prevention
Mar. 1, 2021

Colorectal cancer is a term that includes colon and rectalcancers, both of which originate in the lower portion of the large intestine and into the rectum.

"The vast majority of the time, we don't know exactly what causes any specific cancer," says Dr. Jeremy Jones, a Mayo Clinic oncologist. "But there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of developing colon or rectal cancer." 

Dr. Jones says one risk factor is increasing age. However, he adds that over the last 30 years younger patients have seen a 50% increased risk of developing colon and rectal cancers.

In this Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Jones talks about risk factors, symptoms, treatment, health care disparities and the latest in colorectal cancer research.