![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/08-768x589.jpg)
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.
Note: Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.
- Statistics
- Signs and symptoms
- Risk factors
- Screening Tests
- Preventive measures
Hong Kong
Incidence rate: 35 per 100,000 populations (male & female)
Mortality rate: 12.2 per 100,000 populations (male & female)
(Hong Kong Cancer Registry, 2020)
Pakistan
Incidence rate: 5.3 per 100,000 populations (male & female)
Mortality rate: 3.0 per 100,000 populations (male & female)
(IARC, 2021)
Nepal
Incidence rate: 4.3 per 100,000 populations (male & female)
Mortality rate: 2.5 per 100,000 populations (male & female)
(IARC, 2021)
India
Incidence rate: 4.8 per 100,000 populations (male & female)
Mortality rate: 2.8 per 100,000 populations (male & female)
(IARC, 2021)
Early stage colorectal cancer may not have any symptoms.
- Blood mixed with feces.
- Mucus in the feces.
- Change in bowel habit (e.g. Passing stool more often than usual, diarrhea alternating with constipation).
- Bloating (stomach feeling full of gas or fluid, that is unpleasant).
- Abdominal (Tummy) pains.
- Generally unwell, tiredness and weight loss.
High consumption of red meat and processed meat
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/09-300x122.jpg)
Lack of physical activity
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/10-294x300.jpg)
- Men aged 50 or above
- History of colonic polyps
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/12.jpg)
Being obese
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11-300x264.jpg)
Excessive alcohol consumption
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/25-300x193.jpg)
Family history of colorectal cancer
- If your parent, sibling, or children has colorectal cancer, risk of developing the disease increases 2-3 folds.
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/74.jpg)
Hereditary bowel diseases
Prolonged history of inflammation of the bowel
Smoking
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cervical-cancer-booklet_illustration_Page_04-300x190.jpg)
Eat high fiber diet such as, vegetables, fruits, whole grain, etc
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/13-768x340.jpg)
Reduce consumption of red meat
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/65-768x410.jpg)
Do regular exercise (30 minutes every day)
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/02-768x608.jpg)
Maintain a healthy body weight
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/03.jpg)
Reduce alcohol intake
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/25-768x494.jpg)
Do not smoke
![](https://minorityhealth.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/72.jpg)