It can be said that not all polyps will develop into cancer, but most colorectal cancers are developed from polyps, which shows how important it is to “find” polyps early. When polyps are found during a colonoscopy, the treatment is very simple: the doctor can immediately cut them down through the colonoscope, which means that the process of developing colorectal cancer is stopped. The occurrence of colorectal cancer is regular and can be effectively interrupted, from this point of view, colorectal cancer is “less scary” compared to other cancers. The American medical community suggests that the average person at the age of 50 should have their first colonoscopy. The age of colorectal cancer in China is 12-18 years earlier than that in the West, so it is also said that the first colonoscopy should be done after the age of 40. If you have bad bowel habits, it is better to have a colonoscopy at the age of 40; for people with very regular bowel movements, it can be done a little later, but not later than 50 years old at the latest. If no polyps are found, you can be examined again after 5-10 years. If polyps are found, they should be removed and followed up promptly. Compared with many other cancers, colorectal cancer is also “less scary” in terms of treatment outcome. The overall outcome of colorectal cancer is good. For early-stage colorectal cancer, the five-year survival rate can reach 90%; for mid-stage colorectal cancer, the five-year survival rate reaches 70%; for advanced colorectal cancer, the five-year survival rate can also reach 30%-40%. Of course, to achieve such treatment effect, the prerequisite is to receive a scientific and comprehensive treatment mainly based on surgery.