COLON AND RECTAL CANCER

Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, after skin, prostate, and lung cancer. It is also the fourth most common cancer in women, after skin, lung, and breast cancer.

What causes Colorectal Cancer?

The exact causes of colorectal cancer are not known. However, studies show that the following risk factors increase a person's chances of developing colorectal cancer:

• Age- Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older. This disease is more common in people over the age of 50.
• Diet- Colorectal cancer seems to be associated with diets that are high in fat and calories and low in fiber.
• Polyps- Polyps are benign growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum.
• Personal medical history- Research shows that women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast have a somewhat increased chance of developing colorectal cancer. Also, a person who has already had colorectal cancer may develop this disease a second time.
• Family medical history- First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) of a person who has had colorectal cancer are somewhat more likely to develop this type of cancer themselves, especially if the relative had the cancer at a young age. If many family members have had colorectal cancer, the chances increase even more.
• Ulcerative colitis- Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed.

What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

The Symptoms of  Colorectal Cancer:

How is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?

To help find the cause of symptoms, the doctor evaluates a person's medical history. The doctor also performs a physical exam and may order one or more diagnostic tests.

If the diagnosis is cancer, the doctor needs to learn the stage (or extent) of disease. Staging is a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what parts of the body. More tests may be performed to help determine the stage. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

What is the Treatment for Colorectal Cancer?

Treatment depends mainly on the size, location, and extent of the tumor, and on the patient's general health. Patients are often treated by a team of specialists, which may include a gastroenterologist, surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist. Several different types of treatment are used to treat colorectal cancer. Sometimes different treatments are combined. Treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and/or immunotherapy.

Clinical trials (research studies) to evaluate new ways to treat cancer are an appropriate option for many patients with colorectal cancer.

» top