Facts About Colorectal Cancer
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. Most
types of colorectal cancer begin with polyps (grape-shaped growths on the
lining of the colon and rectum). Removing a polyp early may prevent it from
becoming cancer. Polyps are very common in people older than 50 years of age
and usually are benign (not cancerous), but some polyps can slowly develop over
the years into cancer.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins in the digestive system and
symptoms may differ depending on where the cancer starts. In its early stages,
colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening tests are
important. People who have symptoms may have a change in bowel habits,
diarrhea, constipation or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
They also may experience bright red or very dark blood in the stool, stools
that are narrower than normal, discomfort in the abdomen including frequent gas
pains, bloating, fullness or cramps, weight loss with no known reason, constant
and extreme tiredness, vomiting and anemia (low iron in the blood).
Some of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions.
Talk with your health care provider if you think you are having any of these
symptoms.
Who should be concerned about colorectal cancer?
While it does not get the attention of other cancers,
colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer (excluding skin cancer)
in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Risks factors include:
Age: Chances of developing colorectal cancer increase after
age 50. More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are
older than 50.
Personal history of colorectal cancer: If you have had
colorectal cancer, even though it has been completely removed, you are more
likely to develop new cancers in the colon and rectum.
A personal history of colorectal polyps: If you have had an
adenomatous-type polyp, you are at increased risk for developing colorectal
cancer, especially if the polyps are large or if there are many of them.
A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD): If you have IBD, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease, you
should begin having a screening colonoscopy eight to 12 years after being
diagnosed.
A family history of colorectal cancer: Some cancers “run in
the family” because something in the environment has contributed to the
development of cancer and/or because certain family members were born with or
inherited an increased susceptibility to cancer.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices: High fat diet, lack of physical
activity, obesity, smoking and heavy use of alcohol all play a role in
colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is sometimes called a silent killer
because in the early stages a person will often have no symptoms. Screening
tests are one of the most powerful weapons in preventing colorectal cancer.
This is because polyps, or growths, can be detected and removed before they
have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening also can result in finding
colorectal cancer early, when it is highly curable.
What screening tests are available to help detect colorectal
cancer?
There are several different screening tests that can be used
to find polyps or colorectal cancer. Each one can be used alone; sometimes they
are used in combination. Talk to your doctor about which test(s) is right for
you and how often you should be tested. For those of average risk, screening
tests usually begin at age 50.
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) - checks for hidden blood in
the stool. Sometimes cancers or polyps can bleed and this test is used to pick
up small amounts of bleeding. People having this test will receive a kit with
instructions from the doctor on how to take a stool sample. The kit is returned
to the doctor’s office and sent to a medical lab for testing. This test is not
diagnostic for cancer; other follow-up procedures need to be done to find the
source of the bleeding because the blood also may indicate other
gastrointestinal problems.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy - an exam where a health care
provider uses a sigmoidoscope, a tube with a light on the end to look at the
rectum and lower part of the colon where most tumors appear. Because the
sigmoidoscope is only around 2 feet long, the doctor is able to see the entire
rectum, but less than half of the colon, with this procedure.
Colonoscopy - also uses a hollow, lighted tube called a
colonoscope to inspect the entire colon. If polyps are found, they can be
biopsied or removed. This test is recommended every 10 years after age 50, or
as a follow-up to a positive screening test.
Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) - a series of X-rays of
the colon and rectum. First, an enema with barium is given to outline the colon
and rectum on the X-rays.
Digital rectal exam - a health care provider inserts a
lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any problem areas. This
test should be done every year in conjunction with other screening tests
(flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or DCBE).
What are treatment options for colorectal cancer?
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends mostly on the size,
location and extent of the tumor, as well as a person's overall health. Surgery
to remove the tumor is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy also may be used to kill cancer cells. With
new surgical techniques, treatment rarely requires a colostomy (an opening into
a "bag" for passage of bowel movements).
How can I reduce my risk for colon cancer?
Screening is the most powerful tool in prevention – regular
screening should begin after 50 years of age.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods.
Limit the intake of high-fat foods.
Be physically active with at least 30 minutes of exercise on
five or more days of the week.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Know your family's cancer history.
