Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time, some of these polyps become colon cancers.

Once a colorectal cancer is found, the cancer must be staged. Staging tells your doctor and you if the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease to plan the best treatment. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and in women in the United States. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year according to the American Cancer Society. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

The death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for the past 15 years because polyps are being found by screening colonoscopies before they can develop into cancers. There are approximately one million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States, and this number continues to grow.

Possible Signs of Colorectal Cancer

These and other symptoms can be caused by colorectal cancer or other conditions. Colorectal cancer is often present in people without symptoms. Consut your doctor if you experience any of the following symptions. Colorectal cancer is often present in people without symptoms.

• Change in bowel habits
• Blood in the stool
• Diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel does not completely empty
• General discomfort in the abdominal area (cramps, gas or pain)
• Weight loss with no known reason
• Constant tiredness
• Vomiting
• These symptoms may be caused by other benign diseases such as hemorrhoids, inflammation in the colon or irritable bowel syndrome. If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few days, talk with a gastrointestinal specialist about them.

Screening/Early Detection

Regular screening can help prevent colorectal cancer through diagnosis at an early, curable stage or through removal of precancerous polyps. Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should have a screening colonoscopy and then repeat the procedure every 10 years.

Risk Factors

Age
About 90% of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50 years old.

Gender
Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and in women in the United States.
 

Ethnicity and race
Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are currently highest in African American men and women. Those of Eastern European Jewish descent currently also have a higher rate of colon cancer than Caucasian men and women.

Diet
Colon and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories.
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Smoking and alcohol
Recent studies show that smokers are 30 to 40 percent more likely than nonsmokers to die of colorectal cancer. Moderate to heavy use of alcohol, or four or more drinks per week, has also been linked to colorectal cancer.

Personal history of bowel disease
A personal history of colon cancer or intestinal polyps and diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease -- both chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease -- increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Family history/genetic factors
Genetic syndromes passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer. These syndromes cause about 5% of all colon cancers.

References:

www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal Accessed 10/28/2008

www.medicinenet.com/colon_cancer Accessed 10/28/2008

www.cancer.org�Accessed 10/28/2008

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
1520 Kensington Rd., Suite 202, Oak Brook, IL 60523 1.866.305.ASGE This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it http://www.screen4coloncancer.org/aboutCRC.asp : 10/09/2008

The Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com Accessed 10/16/2008

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