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
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!
Are The Symptons?
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
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
Can Hemorroids 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.
Reference: American Society
of Colon and Rectal Surgeons