Colon Cancer: How Harmless Polyps Can Turn Dangerous–Here Are the Early Signs

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum and is highly treatable when caught early, with a 90 percent survival rate.

Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock

Colorectal cancer, which starts in the large intestine (colon) or rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Once thought to mainly affect older adults, it is now rising sharply among younger people—with about 1 in 5 new cases diagnosed before age 55.

It can be difficult to detect early because it often causes no symptoms until it has already spread. However, if caught early (while still localized), the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent, making it highly treatable.