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Colorectal Cancer | Ovarian Cancer | Pancreatic Cancer | Prostate Cancer
WHAT IS COLORECTAL CANCER?
Colorectal cancer also called Colon Cancer/Rectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum. The detected risk of colon cancer increases with age and is more common in people over 50 years of age.
Other factors giving rise to colon cancer are:
• Polyps – growth inside the colon and rectum that may become cancerous
• A diet that is high in fat and low in fiber
• A family history or personal history of colorectal cancer
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
WHAT IS THE COLON AND THE RECTUM?
The colon and rectum are the last parts of the digestive system, otherwise known as the gastrointestinal tract. The colon (also called the large bowel or large intestine) is a muscular tube about 5 feet long. The colon is made up of four sections:
• The ascending colon starts at the end of the small intestine attaches to the colon and goes up the right side of the abdomen.
• The transverse colon crosses from the right to the left side of the body.
• The descending colon goes down the left side of the abdomen.
• The sigmoid colon joins the rectum, which ends at the anus.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COLORECTAL CANCER?
Symptoms of colorectal cancer sometimes do not appear until the disease has progressed. Therefore regular screening via colonoscopies is vitally important.
However if symptoms are present that may include:
• Blood in the stool, dark stool, and rectal bleeding
• A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool that last for more than a few days.
• Cramping or abdominal (stomach area) pain.
• Chronic fatigue and weakness.
• A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so.
Most of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other that colorectal cancer such as infection, hemorrhoids or inflammatory bowel disease. Still, of one exhibits any of these problems, it is important to see a doctor right away so the precise cause can be found and such treatment as is necessary administered.
HOW IS COLORECTAL CANCER DIAGNOSED?
Colon cancer is usually diagnosed using the following test:
A barium enema, or lower gastrointestinal (GI) examination, is an X-ray examination of the large intestine (colon and rectum). The test is used to help diagnose diseases and other problems that affect the large intestine.
The colonoscopy: a procedure whereby a doctor inserts a long, flexible viewing tube into the rectum for the purpose of inspecting the inside of the entire colon.
• If cancerous growths are found during colonoscopy, small tissue samples (biopsies) can be obtained and examined under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis.
• If colon cancer is confirmed by a biopsy, staging examinations are performed to determine whether the cancer has already spread to other organs. Since colorectal cancer tends to spread to the lungs and the liver, staging tests usually include chest x-rays, ultrasonography, or a CAT scan of the lungs, liver, and abdomen.
Sometimes, the doctor may obtain a blood test for CEA (carcinoembyonic antigen) CEA is a substance produced by some cancer cells. It is sometimes found in high levels in patients with colorectal cancer, especially when the disease has spread.
HOW CAN COLORECTAL CANCER BE PREVENTED?
Colorectal cancer can be prevented by:
• Colorectal cancer screening test: (colonoscopy) which is one of the most powerful weapons in preventing colorectal cancer. It is estimated that at least 50%-60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women 50 years or older were screened routinely.
• Increased physical activity
• Easting a diet that is high in fiber (fruits and vegetables)
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Avoiding tobacco (smoking)
Even in the case where colorectal cancer has already developed, early detection still significantly improves the chances of a cure by surgically removing the cancer before the disease spreads to other organs.
HOW IS COLORECTAL CANCER TREATED?
The main types of treatment for colon cancer and rectal cancer are:
• Surgery – the most common treatment for colorectal cancer
• Radiation therapy – has been limited to treating cancer of the rectum. There is a decreased local recurrence of rectal cancer in patients receiving radiation either prior to or after surgery. Without radiation, the risk of rectal cancer recurrence is close to 50%. With radiation, the risk is lowered to approximately 7%
• Chemotherapy – may delay tumor recurrence and improve survival.