Colorectal cancer is when a cancerous polyp develops in your colon or rectum. Some people inherit genes that make it more likely for polyps to grow. More often, colorectal cancer develops from certain environmental or lifestyle factors.
In this video, learn the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for colorectal cancer.
References
American Cancer Society. (2014). Cancer facts & figures 2024.
American Cancer Society. (2020). What is colorectal cancer?
MedlinePlus. (2013). APC gene.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Colorectal cancer.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Eating, diet, & nutrition for colon polyps.
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Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Karen Hovav, MD, FAAPKaren Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.
