COLORECTAL CANCER FACT SHEET
Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon or rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined. This disease surpasses both breast and prostate cancer in mortality, second only to lung cancer in numbers of cancer deaths despite the fact that it is highly preventable. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 108,070 new cases of colon cancer and 40,740 new cases of rectal cancer in 2008 in the United States. Combined, they will cause about 49,960 deaths.
The death rate from colorectal cancer has been going down for the past 15 years. One reason is that there are fewer cases. Thanks to colorectal cancer screening, polyps can be found and removed before they turn into cancer. And colorectal cancer can also be found earlier when it is easier to cure. Treatments have also improved.
PREVENTION
- Get regular screening tests.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Don't smoke and don't drink alcohol excessively.
RISKS
- Men and women age 50 and older
- People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
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People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
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People with a family history of inherited colorectal cancer
- People who use tobacco
- People who are obese and are sedentary
SYMPTOMS
In the early stages, there may not be any symptoms. Later, these symptoms may appear:
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in or on the stool (bright red)
- Change in bowel habits
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness and/or cramps)
- Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Frequent gas pains
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Constant tiredness
- Vomiting
EARLY DETECTION
Colorectal cancer is easily treated and often curable when detected early. Options for screening include:
- Have a fecal occult blood test yearly.
- Have a sigmoidoscopy every five years, or a colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema every five to 10 years. Have all non-cancerous polyps removed to help prevent colorectal cancer before it starts.
- Have a digital rectal exam every five to 10 years at the time of each screening sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or barium enema.
- If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, benign colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer, talk to your health care provider about earlier screening.
TREATMENT
- Surgery is the most common treatment.
- Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy is given before or after surgery to most patients with colorectal cancer that has spread. Many treatment options are available. If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, please talk with your oncology team about which is best for you.
Get your Free Colorectal Screening Kit.
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