This document provides information about colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer), including:
- Epidemiology statistics showing it is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the third in Colombia. Survival rates are much lower in Colombia compared to the US.
- Risk factors including diet high in fat and calories, inflammatory bowel disease, family history, and certain hereditary syndromes.
- Screening recommendations in Colombia include annual fecal immunochemical testing for those at average risk starting at age 50.
- Presenting symptoms vary depending on tumor location but can include anemia, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits.
- The TNM staging system is used to classify tumors based on