What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer, a common form of cancer, is a disease in which
cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the colon
and/or rectum. The colon is part of the body's digestive system.
Your digestive system removes nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and
proteins) from the food you eat and stores the waste until it passes
out of the body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus,
stomach, and the small and large intestines. The last 6 feet of
intestine is called the large bowel or colon. The last 8 to 10
inches of the colon is the rectum.
Who Gets Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from
cancer in the U.S. No one knows exactly why people get colorectal
cancer. High-fat and high-calorie diets are thought to play a role.
A high-fiber diet consisting of plenty of vegetables, fruits and
whole grains may reduce your chances of getting colorectal cancer.
However, researchers have been able to pinpoint who is more likely
to get it.
More women than men get colorectal cancer -- 60.4 men versus 40.9
women per 100,000 cases per year. Most people are diagnosed after
age 50.
Some people have a greater risk of getting colorectal cancer.
These include those with hereditary (genetic) conditions, such as
familial polyposis, familial nonpolyposis syndromes, the cancer
family syndrome (autosomal dominant), hereditary site-specific colon
cancer, and ulcerative colitis (ulcers in the lining of the large
intestines).
You are also at higher risk if you have: a personal history of
colorectal cancer or adenomas, first degree family history of
colorectal cancer or adenomas, and a personal history of ovarian,
endometrial, or breast cancer. These high-risk groups account for
only 23 percent of all colorectal cancers.
What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
If you notice a change in your bowel habits, you should talk to
your health care provider. Such changes include thin stools, black
stools, blood in your stools or persistent or intermittent diarrhea
or constipation.
Who Should Be Screened for Colorectal Cancer?
The earlier colorectal cancer is detected, the better is the
chance of a cure. In fact, many early cases of colorectal cancer are
found in people who are over age 50 and have no symptoms.
Several medical organizations, such as the American Cancer
Society, recommend that adults ages 40 and over have an annual
digital rectal exam. Beginning at age 50, you should have a
blood-stool test each year and a sigmoidoscopy about every three to
five years.
You and your health care provider can determine what screenings
are right for you and at what intervals based on your medical
history. If you are in one of the high risk groups, he or she may
urge you to get screened for colorectal cancer more frequently or to
start a younger age.
Genes are markers in cells associated with hereditary traits.
Abnormal genes have been found in patients with some forms of rectal
and colon cancer. Tests are being developed to determine who carries
these abnormal genes long before cancer appears.
What are the Screenings for Colorectal Cancer
There are three screening procedures:
Digital rectal examination: Wearing thin gloves, your
health care provider will place a greased finger into your rectum
and gently feel for lumps.
Blood stool testing (also called fecal blood testing,
hemoccult test and guaiac test): Your health care provider takes
a tiny stool sample and checks to see for traces of blood in it.
Sigmoidoscopy: To look inside the rectum and lower colon,
a health care provider will use a special instrument called a
sigmoidoscope or a proctosigmoidoscope. This exam finds about half
of all colon and rectal cancers. This test is usually done in a
doctor's office. You may feel some pressure, but you usually do not
feel peain.
An additional test is called a colonoscopy. Using a
colonoscope, your health care provider will look inside the
rectum and see the entire colon. This test is also done in a
doctor's office. You may feel some pressure, but usually no pain.
Source: The National Cancer Institute, U.S. Department of
Health & Human Services Copyright 1996; Better Health
& Medical Network., Collective Work & Database
