Colon
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer includes both cancer occurring in the colon as well as the rectum (the last seven feet if intestines). In most cases, cancer originates from growths or polyps, protruding from the inner lining of the intestine. Approximately 30 percent of the population have polyps by the age of 50 and 50 percent by the age of 70. Because of the high incidence and lack of symptoms associated with polyps, colorectal cancer develops in one of 17 Americans. Regular screening, usually after 50 years of age, cannot be stressed enough. If caught early, this is a curable disease. Once it has spread to the lymph nodes, other nearby organs, and distant sites, the diagnosis is less favorable. Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States.
Colorectal Risk Factors
- Age. Individuals over 50. Nine out of 10 people with colon or rectum cancer are over the age of 50.
- Genes. Individuals with certain inherited genetic syndromes or mutations.
- Personal history. An increased risk for colorectal cancer is associated with pervious diagnosis of the disease.
- Family history. A family history of breast, ovary, endometrium or pancreas cancer will increase risk for colorectal cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease. Individuals with history of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are at an increased risk.
- Diet. A diet high in animal fat and low in fruits, vegetables and fiber can lead to an increased risk. Also there are high risk foods that contain chemicals that may be converted into cancer-causing agents in the colon and rectum. Diets high in fruits and vegetables may help to deactivate these agents
- Polyps. As stated in the definition of colorectal cancer, polyps in the colon and rectum lead to an increased risk for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Prevention
One of the greatest ways to prevent colorectal cancer is to get regular colorectal screenings and testing’s once you are over the age of 50 or sooner if you have any of colorectal cancer risk factors. It can take years for a polyp to develop into cancer. If a polyp is found during a regular screening then it can be removed long before it has a chance to develop into cancer. A fecal occult blood test, Sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema or a colonoscopy are all tests that will help with early detection.
Since diet plays a big factor into your increased risk for colorectal cancer, it can also play a big factor in cancer prevention. Diets low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables and fiber can help in prevention. For many cancers an increase in physical activity can also help with disease prevention.
Colorectal Cancer Detection
To aid in the detection of cancer spread, the John Wayne Cancer Institute has pioneered a technique in colorectal cancer called intraoperative lymphatic mapping and selective lymphadenectomy. By following the drainage channel of a blue dye injected around the primary tumor, the surgeon is better able to identify the lymph node(s) most likely to contain cancer cells spreading from the primary site.
Analysis of the identified node(s) increases the chance of finding metastatic disease by 20 percent. If colorectal cancer has invaded surrounding lymph nodes and spread into the liver, its surgical management may include liver resection, cryosurgery, and/or radiofrequency ablation.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Colorectal cancer treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer. Colorectal cancer that is caught early on is usually curable.
- Surgery. This is usually the primary step in the treatment of colorectal cancer and is often combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The surgery required will depend on the stage of the disease. When caught early on the surgery required is usually minimally invasive.
- Chemotherapy. The use of chemotherapy as a treatment for colorectal cancer can occur at different stages of the treatment process depending on the desired outcome. Chemotherapy is used to reduce the likelihood of a tumor developing, reduce the size of the tumor or to slow the growth of the tumor. Chemotherapy treatment can occur before or after surgery depending on the needs of the surgery. If surgery is not a viable option for the patient then chemotherapy can also be used on its own.
- Radiation therapy. A cancer treatment that uses high energy x-rays and or other types of radiation to kill the caner cells in your body. Radiation therapy can be administered internally or externally. Just as with most cancers, radiation therapy is best used as an adjuvant therapy after surgery.