Colorectal Cancer Facts

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, excluding skin cancers, and third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. More than 100,000 cases were diagnosed in 2008. There is a lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer occurring in one in 19 people. By understanding some colorectal cancer facts, you may be able to determine whether or not you are at risk.

Contributing Factors

• Although no direct cause has been discovered as of yet, there are some important contributing factors associated with colorectal cancer. Adenomatous polyps that grow in the colon have been found to become cancerous over time. Other associated risk factors are a history of cancer in the family, alcoholism and an age above 50.

Symptoms

• Early signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer involve the digestive system. Loss of appetite and general weakness can be initial predictors. Constant diarrhea or constipation that isn't associated with an obvious cause is also early symptoms. Trouble with bowel movements and stool that appears to be ribbon-like could indicate a tumor or swollen tissue blocking the digestive tract. As the cancer progresses, symptoms such as blood in the stool, pale skin or rapid weight loss may be of concern.

Diagnosis

• A diagnosis can be done using a number of methods. A digital rectal exam is a common method that uses a lubricated, gloved finger inserted into the rectum. A doctor would then feel for obvious tumors. If none are felt, a doctor might perform an endoscopy where a flexible camera is inserted into the entire colon. The camera then sends back a live feed to a monitor so that the doctor and identify any polyps or smaller tumors. The sigmoidoscopy focuses on the rectum and lower colon.

Treatment

• If caught early, surgical treatment is the most common for colorectal cancer. Surgeons would perform a resection, which consists of removing the cancerous part of the colon and fusing together the remaining sections. This is sometimes followed up with chemotherapy to kill of any remaining cancer cells, helping keep the cancer in remission. If tumors are too large for surgical removal, radiation can be applied to the tumor in order to shrink it.

Prognosis

• Colon cancer deaths rank third among all cancer deaths. However, the American Cancer Society reports that the number of those deaths has steadily declined over the last two decades. This is most likely because people are having an early screening and removal of adenomatous polyps before they become cancerous. As of 2008, there are nearly one million colorectal cancer survivors.