Colorectal Cancer: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Martin E. Liebling, M.D., FACP
- Colorectal cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal
cells in the colon or rectum.
- Colorectal cancer is the number two cause of cancer deaths in
the United States, after lung cancer, according to the American
Cancer Society.
- Improvements in screening have helped reduce the mortality rate
over the last 15 years.
- Colorectal cancer is usually curable when it is detected in the
early stages.
- Increased screening could further reduce the mortality rate of
colorectal cancer.
- This cancer usually begins as polyps, which are abnormal
growths in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
- Polyps are not cancer but can become cancerous over the
years.
- More than 95 percent of colorectal cancer is
adenocarcinoma.
- Adenocarcinoma is cancer of the gland cells that line the
inside wall of the large intestine.
- Some risk factors for colorectal cancer cannot be controlled,
such as having a family history of this cancer, age and
ethnicity.
- Some lifestyle habits can increase the risk of this
cancer.
- A diet high in animal fat and low in fiber, physical inactivity
and smoking are some factors that increase the risk for colorectal
cancer.
- Screening for colorectal cancer is important because symptoms
may be absent or may be due to other conditions.
- Possible indicators of this cancer include changes in bowel
habits, abdominal pain and bleeding from the rectum.
- Diagnostic tests for colorectal cancer include tests for blood
in the stool, a type of enema x-ray, flexible sigmoidoscopy and
colonoscopy.
- Ultrasound, blood tests, x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging
may also be used.
- Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy or
chemotherapy.
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