Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a relatively common malignancy that affects approximately 150,000 people in the United States each year, making it the third most common cancer in men and women. Generally speaking, colorectal cancer can be prevented through routine screenings by performing colonoscopy and removing polyps that can eventually become colon cancer. When caught early, colorectal cancer usually responds well to treatment. A combination of treatment techniques including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy(only for rectal cancer) may be administered to improve prognosis.

Causes

Although there is no known cause of colorectal cancer, there are a number of risk factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. Please see Genetics and Colorectal Cancer for more information about causes of colorectal cancer.

Risk Factors

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of colorectal cancer include being over 45 years of age, eating a diet high in fat and low in calcium, folate, and fiber, having colorectal polyps, cigarette smoking, having a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, or having an inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Please see Genetics and Colorectal Cancer for more information about risk factors associated with colorectal cancer.

Symptoms

During the early stages of colorectal cancer, most patients do not experience symptoms. Having said that, it’s imperative patients do not wait until symptoms develop to see their doctor – for colorectal cancer, early detection through regular screenings is key. Additionally, patients with a family history of colorectal cancer, or those over the age of 50, should remain vigilant in receiving routine colorectal screenings. Patients with an advanced form of colorectal cancer may experience the following symptoms:

  • Change in bowel movements, i.e. diarrhea, constipation, etc.
  • Blood in stool
  • Abdominal discomfort, i.e. cramps, gas, pain, etc.
  • Weight loss
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting

Treatments

Depending on the stage of colorectal cancer, treatment may include a combination of approaches including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.  A colon and rectal surgeon may recommend to excise the diseased portion of the bowel and to get accurate staging of the cancer. Following surgery, chemotherapy may be recommended to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often reserved for patients with Rectal Cancer. Each case of colorectal cancer is unique and will require a personalized treatment approach.