Facts, Symptoms and Treatment
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women. Every year, more than 130,000 new patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 colon cancer-related deaths occur. Colorectal cancer begins in either the colon or the rectum. Both are part of the digestive tract, also called the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. This is where food is processed to create energy and rid the body of waste.
How does colorectal cancer develop?
Colorectal cancer occurs when the cells that line the colon (also called the large intestine or large bowel) or the rectum (lower portion of the colon) become abnormal and grow out of control. Unfortunately, many colorectal cancers are "silent" tumors until they are advanced and produce symptoms. However, through regular screenings, colorectal cancer is preventable, and curable, if detected early.
What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
With more than 90 percent of cases diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50, the primary risk factor for colorectal cancer is age. A personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease also increases your risk. Other risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
· Excessive Alcohol consumption
· Obesity
· Physical inactivity
· High-fat and/or low-fiber diet
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
In its early stages, colorectal cancer usually causes no symptoms. For this reason, it is very important to have regular colorectal cancer prevention examinations, or screenings. When symptoms are present, the cancer may still be curable if not ignored. One of the signs of colon cancer may be rectal bleeding. Often tumors bleed only small amounts intermittently, and evidence of the blood is found only during chemical testing of the stool. This is called occult bleeding—it is not always visible to the naked eye. When tumors have grown larger, other symptoms may develop. The symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
· Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
· Blood on or in the stool
· Unexplained anemia
· Unusual abdominal or gas pain
· Unexplained weight loss
· Fatigue
· Vomiting
Rectal bleeding should not be presumed to be hemorrhoids until other causes are ruled out. People with unexplained rectal bleeding should make an appointment for a colorectal cancer screening.
Can I protect myself from colorectal cancer?
To work toward cancer prevention, you can choose to live a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber, vegetables and fruit.
Going to the doctor so he or she can check the colon for polyps and cancer is the next important step. Screening recommendations depend upon an individual's risk of colorectal cancer. The goal is to identify people at high risk of developing colon cancer and screen them earlier than the general population.
What are the types of colorectal cancer screenings I can receive?
The Florida Hospital Cancer Institute works closely with the Florida Hospital Digestive Health Center to increase awareness of the importance of routine screenings for colorectal cancer. Screenings, such as the following, can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment can be very effective:
Fecal Occult Blood Test - A test that is used to check for blood in the stool. Cancers or polyps can bleed, and this test is used to detect small amounts of bleeding.
Digital rectal exam - An exam in which the doctor feels for abnormal areas by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum
Sigmoidoscopy - An examination of the lower colon and rectum using a lighted instrument called a sigmoid scope.
Double Contrast Barium Enema - An X-ray series of the colon and rectum. The enema is given with a solution that contains barium that outlines the colon and rectum on X-rays.
Colonoscopy - An examination of the rectum and the entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope.
When should I get screened for colorectal cancer?
The FHCI recommends the following to individuals that are 50 years old or older without any symptoms and no first degree relatives with colorectal cancer:
· Baseline colonoscopy at age 50
· Fecal occult blood test performed once a year beginning at age 50
· Flexible sigmoidoscopy performed every five years beginning at age 50
· Double contrast barium enema (DCBE) every five years, or colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50
Talk to your primary care physician about your risk factors or to schedule a screening test. Talk to your family to see if anyone has had polyps or cancer in the colon, rectum, uterus, breast or any gland.
How is colorectal cancer treated?
If cancer is found, the FHCI has developed a comprehensive program with a multidisciplinary approach to providing the best care for patients with colorectal cancer. Colon cancer can be treated by surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy – or a combination of all these modalities.
