- Colorectal cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the colon or rectum.
- Colorectal cancer is the number two cause of cancer deaths in the United States, after lung cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
- Improvements in screening have helped reduce the mortality rate over the last 15 years.
- Colorectal cancer is usually curable when it is detected in the early stages.
- Increased screening could further reduce the mortality rate of colorectal cancer.
- This cancer usually begins as polyps, which are abnormal growths in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
- Polyps are not cancer but can become cancerous over the years.
- More than 95 percent of colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma.
- Adenocarcinoma is cancer of the gland cells that line the inside wall of the large intestine.
- Some risk factors for colorectal cancer cannot be controlled, such as having a family history of this cancer, age and ethnicity.
- Some lifestyle habits can increase the risk of this cancer.
- A diet high in animal fat and low in fiber, physical inactivity and smoking are some factors that increase the risk for colorectal cancer.
- Screening for colorectal cancer is important because symptoms may be absent or may be due to other conditions.
- Possible indicators of this cancer include changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain and bleeding from the rectum.
- Diagnostic tests for colorectal cancer include tests for blood in the stool, a type of enema x-ray, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.
- Ultrasound, blood tests, x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging may also be used.
- Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Reviewed by Martin E. Liebling, M.D., FACP
