Colorectal cancer known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum.

Statistics
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer around the world. It mostly affects older people aged 50 and above. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is nearly 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women.

Risk factors and symptoms
The risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as a person gets older, and other risk factors are-

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• Lack of regular physical activity
• A diet low in fruit and vegetables
• A low-fiber and high-fat diet
• A diet high in processed meats
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption
• Use of tobacco

Many people with colorectal cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in the large intestine. Symptoms include blood in stool, diarrhea, constipation, a feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way, abdominal pain, aches or cramps that don’t go away, tiredness, and weight loss.

Prevention
Regular colorectal cancer screening tests starting at age 45 are the most effective method to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

• A diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Regular physical activity 
• A healthy weight
• Avoiding alcohol consumption and tobacco

Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and the patient's physical condition. The success rate of the treatment depends on early detection. The most used treatment methods for colorectal cancers are-

• Surgery
  Surgery is mostly preferred when cancer is not spread beyond the rectum or colon. This method is used to remove the whole tumor.
• Radiotherapy
  High-energy X-rays are used in specific areas to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor before surgery. A combination therapy of radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs may also be used.
• Chemotherapy
  This method uses chemodrugs to help kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. This is mostly used when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes.
• Colostomy and ileostomy
  These are done after surgery for colorectal cancer when a part of the colon or rectum is removed. A connection is made between the remaining part and the abdominal wall.
• Targeted therapy
  This therapy uses drugs that target specific genes and proteins, which may lead to cancer growth.
• Immunotherapy
  Immunotherapy uses cancer drugs to find and kill cancer cells and boost the body’s immune system.