Colon and rectal cancers are cancers that involve the lower part of the digestive system including the large intestine and the rectum. 

Most common symptoms to be aware of include stomach pain, constipation/diarrhea, blood in bowel movements or black/dark-colored stools. 

The severity of colon or rectal cancer is represented by different staging systems that are determined based on physical examination, CT, MRI of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, etc. 

Both colon cancer and rectal cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage but can include a mixture of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 

Early colon cancer screening is important for the following high risk groups:

- Anyone over the age of 60 
- Anyone with family history of colorectal cancer or polyps 
- Anyone diagnosed with genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome.

If you do not fit one of the above categories then it is recommended that you follow one of the following schedules:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- Stool testing for blood once a year 
- Sigmoidoscopy every 5 to 10 years
- Stool DNA testing every 3 years