U.S. Among the most commonly diagnosed cancers are those of the colon and rectum, which are part of our digestive or gastrointestinal system. Nearly 150,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and more than 50,000 will die of the disease. Colorectal cancer is a topic most people would probably prefer to avoid even thinking about. That, however, can be a dangerous or even fatal mistake. Recommended tests and screenings and early treatment may significantly reduce the risks from colorectal cancer and improve patient outcomes.
"Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow in one of the four segments of the colon or in the rectum, which adjoins the anus where waste fecal matter passes out of the body," said Dr. Kurt Lange, a Gastroenterologist at Doctors Hospital. "The colon and rectum have several layers of tissue. Colorectal cancers begin in the innermost layer and can grow through some or all of the other layers. While this process can take several years, we know that most colorectal cancers begin as a small pre-cancerous growth known as a polyp. Left untreated, colon cancer can cause dangerous blockages of the intestines and spread to other parts of the body."
While anyone can get colorectal cancer, there are several factors that may affect a person's likelihood of contracting the disease. Such factors include: family history, aging, diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, history of colorectal cancer, history of intestinal polyps and history of chronic bowel disease.
While there's no way to guarantee someone will avoid colorectal cancer, people may lower their risks of the disease by being aware of and managing the factors noted above. We can't change our heredity, but we can improve our diet, get proper exercise, avoid smoking and watch our weight. Another step people can take is to undergo screening for signs of the disease. Statistics show that the risks of colorectal cancer can be reduced through early detection, and the key to that is timely screenings. There are several ways doctors can look for signs of the disease, and some of these tests are recommended even if you do not have symptoms or a history of the disease. Available testing options include a digital rectal examination, fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy. Your doctor can tell you which of these tests may be appropriate for you.
Treatment for colorectal cancer may vary from patient to patient. Radiation and drugs also are used to treat colorectal cancers. Doctors are constantly evaluating new radiation and drug therapies as they search for ways to prolong and improve their patients' lives.
Warning signs to report to your doctor include: any change in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation, blood on or in the stool, stools that are narrower than usual, general stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, and/or cramps), frequent gas pains, a feeling that the bowel doesn't completely empty, weight loss with no known reason or constant tiredness.
Dr. Kurt Lange is one of the quality board-certified physicians caring for hundreds of patients each year at Doctors Hospital. For more information on colorectal cancer or Doctors Hospital, call the Health Information Services at 214-324-6123.