Secondary prevention: screening and surveillance of persons at average and high risk for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, accounting for 9% of all new cancer diagnoses and affecting men and women alike. It was estimated that in 2001 there would be 138,900 new cases of colorectal cancer with 57,200 deaths, making this the second most common cause of cancer-related death after lung cancer. The average American experiences approximately a 6% lifetime risk for colorectal cancer. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include country of birth, age, family history, rare syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, diet, and lifestyle. Three fourths of all colon cancers, however, develop within those without risk factors other than country of birth and age greater than 50 years.