Colorectal Cancer Facts
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"Colorectal cancer is one
cancer where regular screening clearly has benefits. Screening
saves lives."
- James S. Marks, MD, Director of the CDC's National Center
for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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You might not want to talk about it. You
probably don’t even want to think about it. But colorectal
cancer is second leading cancer killer in the United States,
and ignoring it won’t keep it away. Together, cancers
of the colon and rectum are among the most common cancers
in the United States. They occur in both men and women and
are most often found among people who are over the age of
50. HealthLink is presenting a 2-part article on the disease.
Here in Part 1, we focus on risk factors and screening; Part
2 discusses the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Who's at Risk for Colorectal Cancer?
The diagnosis of cancer of the colon or rectum, also called
colorectal cancer, raises many questions that need accurate,
understandable answers. The colon and rectum are parts
of the body's digestive system; together they form a long,
muscular tube called the large intestine (also called the
large bowel). The first 6 feet of the large intestine are
called the colon; the last 8-10 inches are the rectum.
Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer,
and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer.
Cancers affecting either of these organs may also be called
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. However,
colorectal cancer can occur at younger ages, even, in
rare cases, in the teens. |
Diet. Colorectal cancer
seems to be associated with diets that are high in fat
and calories and low in fiber. Researchers are exploring
how these and other dietary factors play a role in the
development of colorectal cancer. |
Polyps are benign growths
on the inner wall of the colon and rectum. They are fairly
common in people over age 50. Some types of polyps increase
a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer. A rare,
inherited condition called familial polyposis causes
hundreds of polyps to form in the colon and rectum. Unless
this condition is treated, familial polyposis is almost
certain to lead to colorectal cancer. |
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 is a
condition in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed.
Having this condition increases a person's chance of
developing colorectal cancer. Having one or more of these
risk factors does not guarantee that a person will develop
colorectal cancer, but it does increase the chances.
People may want to discuss their risk factors with their
health care provider, who may be able to suggest ways
to reduce their chances of developing colorectal cancer
and plan an appropriate schedule for checkups. |
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Screening Tests Can Find Early Signs of Cancer
People who have any of the risk factors described above should
ask a doctor when to begin checking for colorectal cancer,
what tests to have, and how often to have them. The doctor
may suggest one or more of the tests listed below. These
tests are used to detect polyps, cancer, or other abnormalities,
even if a person does not have symptoms. Your health care
provider can explain more about each test. |
A fecal occult blood test
(FOBT) is a test used to check for hidden blood in the
stool. Sometimes cancers or polyps can bleed, and FOBT
is used to detect small amounts of bleeding.
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A sigmoidoscopy is an examination
of the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid colon) using a
lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope. |
A colonoscopy is an examination
of the rectum and entire colon using a lighted instrument
called a colonoscope |
A double contrast barium
enema (DCBE) is a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum.
The patient is given an enema with a solution that contains
barium, which outlines the colon and rectum on the x-rays. |
A digital rectal exam (DRE)
is an exam in which the doctor inserts a lubricated,
gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal areas. |
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Researchers have discovered that changes
in certain genes (basic units of heredity) raise the risk
of colorectal cancer.
Individuals in families with several cases of colorectal
cancer may find it helpful to talk with a genetic counselor.
The genetic counselor can discuss the availability of a
special blood test to check for a genetic change that may
increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer. Although
having such a genetic change does not mean that a person
is sure to develop colorectal cancer, those who have the
change may want to talk with their doctor about what can
be done to prevent the disease or detect it early |
If you are 50 years old and have not been
screened, talk to your doctor about having a screening test
for colorectal cancer. Discuss the screening options that
are right for you. Do not wait for symptoms.
If you have any of the following symptoms, discuss them with
your doctor. Only he or she can determine if cancer or other
conditions are causing the symptoms. Common signs and symptoms
of colorectal cancer include: <UL |
· Diarrhea,
constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty
completely
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· Blood (either
bright red or very dark) in the stool |
· Stools that
are narrower than usual
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· General abdominal
discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, and/or
cramps)
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· Weight loss
with no known reason
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· Constant
tiredness
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· Vomiting |
These symptoms may be caused
by colorectal cancer or by other conditions. It is important
to check with a doctor to determine their exact cause
and to begin treatment as needed. |
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Ask about colorectal cancer screening even
if your doctor doesn’t mention it. Don’t feel
uncomfortable about asking questions: bring a list with you
and have it handy for your discussion. Take notes to help
you remember important points; ask for further explanation
if there is anything you don’t understand. Ask your
doctor for brochures or other materials on colorectal cancer
to take with you. |
The National Cancer Institute supports and
conducts research on the causes and prevention of colorectal
cancer. Research shows that colorectal cancer develops gradually
from benign polyps; their early detection and removal may
help to prevent the disease. Studies are looking at smoking
cessation, use of dietary supplements, use of aspirin or
similar medicines, decreased alcohol consumption, and increased
physical activity to see if these can prevent colorectal
cancer. Some studies suggest that a diet low in fat and calories
and high in fiber can help prevent colorectal cancer. |
Research has led to real progress against
this increasingly treatable disease, with a lower chance
of death and an improved quality of life for the people who
have it. Whatever your risk factors may be, leading a generally
healthy lifestyle and seeking regular screening will be among
the best preventive actions you can take to reduce your chances
of being affected by colorectal cancer. |
This article includes information from:
National Cancer Institute
For online information about cancer, see www.cancer.gov. By
phone, call the Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER
(1–800–422–6237); or 1–800–332–8615
for deaf/hard of hearing callers. |
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Call the CDC's toll-free line at 1-888-842-6355 to order materials
about colorectal cancer. |
