COLORECTAL CANCER Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in
the United States, striking 140,000 people annually. and causing 60,000
deaths. That's a staggering figure when you consider the disease is
potentially curable if diagnosed in the early stages.
Who is at risk?
Though colorectal cancer may occur at any age, more than
90% of the patients are over age 40, at which point the risk doubles
every ten years. In addition to age, other high risk factors include a
FAMILY history of colorectal cancer and polyps and a PERSONAL history of
ulcerative colitis, colon polyps or cancer of other organs, especially
of the breast or uterus.
How does it start?
It is generally agreed that nearly all colon and
rectal cancer begins in benign polyps. These pre-malignant growths occur
on the bowel wall and may eventually increase in size and become cancer.
Removal of benign polyps is one aspect of preventive medicine that
really works!
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are rectal bleeding and changes
in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea. (These symptoms are
also common in other diseases so it is important you receive a thorough
examination should you experience them.) Abdominal pain and weight loss
are usually late symptoms indicating possible extensive disease.
Unfortunately, many polyps and early cancers fail to
produce symptoms. Therefore, it is important that your routine physical
includes colorectal cancer detection procedures once you reach age 40.
Those detection methods are a digital rectal exam and a chemical test of
stool for blood. A sigmoidoscopy - the inspection of the lower bowel
with a lighted tubular instrument - should be part of routine physical
check-ups.
How is colorectal
cancer treated?
Colorectal cancer requires surgery in nearly all cases
for complete cure. Radiation and chemotherapy are sometimes used in
addition to surgery. Between 80-90% are restored to normal health if the
cancer is detected and treated in the earliest stages. The cure rate
drops to 50% or less when diagnosed in the later stages. Thanks to
modern technology, less than 5% of all colorectal cancer patients
require a colostomy, the surgical construction of an artificial
excretory opening from the colon.
Can colon cancer be
prevented?
There are steps that reduce the risk of contracting the
disease. One way is having benign polyps removed by an outpatient
procedure called colonoscopy. In addition to removing the polyps, the
long flexible tubular instrument used in the procedure provides a more
thorough bowel examination.
Though not definitely proven, there is some evidence
that diet may play a significant role in preventing colorectal cancer.
As far as we know, a high fiber, low fat diet is the only dietary
measure that might help prevent colorectal cancer.
Finally, you must be aware of changes in your bowel
habits and make sure bowel examinations are included in routine
physicals once you fall under the "high risk" category.
Can hemorrhoids lead
to colon cancer?
No, but hemorrhoids may produce symptoms similar to colon
polyps or cancer. Should you experience these symptoms, you should have
them examined and evaluated by a physician, preferably by a colon and
rectal surgeon.
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American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons