How does colorectal cancer develop?

How does colorectal cancer develop?

All of the body's cells normally grow, divide, and then die in order to keep the body healthy and functioning properly. Sometimes this process gets out of control. Cells keep growing and dividing even when they are supposed to die. When the cells lining the colon and rectum multiply uncontrolled, colorectal cancer may ultimately develop.

Fortunately, most colorectal cancers begin as small precancerous (adenomatous or serrated) polyps. These polyps usually grow slowly and do not cause symptoms until they become large or cancerous. This allows the opportunity for detection and removal at this pre-cancerous polyp stage before the development of cancer.