Definition:
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. When diagnosed early, 90 percent of colorectal cancers are completely curable. And yet, more lives are lost each year in the U.S. to colorectal cancer than to breast cancer and AIDS combined.
Since colorectal cancer can grow for years without causing any symptoms, it's best to get regular colon cancer screenings. But, knowing what to look out for can't hurt. Examples of colorectal cancer symptoms include thin stools, stomach cramping, bright red blood on your poop, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and feeling like you have to "go" when you don't.
Being age 50 or older is the number one risk factor for colorectal cancer. Examples of things that researchers believe cause colorectal cancer include alcohol, smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity.
Determining the cancer stage is an important part of choosing an appropriate treatment. In general, the earlier the stage, the easier the cancer is to treat. Surgery is the most common treatment option and is often combined with chemo/radiation to treat late-stage colorectal cancer.
For more information, please read What is Colorectal Cancer?
Sources:
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. When diagnosed early, 90 percent of colorectal cancers are completely curable. And yet, more lives are lost each year in the U.S. to colorectal cancer than to breast cancer and AIDS combined.
Since colorectal cancer can grow for years without causing any symptoms, it's best to get regular colon cancer screenings. But, knowing what to look out for can't hurt. Examples of colorectal cancer symptoms include thin stools, stomach cramping, bright red blood on your poop, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and feeling like you have to "go" when you don't.
Being age 50 or older is the number one risk factor for colorectal cancer. Examples of things that researchers believe cause colorectal cancer include alcohol, smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity.
Determining the cancer stage is an important part of choosing an appropriate treatment. In general, the earlier the stage, the easier the cancer is to treat. Surgery is the most common treatment option and is often combined with chemo/radiation to treat late-stage colorectal cancer.
For more information, please read What is Colorectal Cancer?
Sources:
- Chemotherapy. Adam Healthcare Center. 27 Aug. 2006 [http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/002324.htm].
- Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer: How Is Colorectal Cancer Treated? American Cancer Society. 7 Mar. 2006. 27 Aug. 2006 [http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4x_How_is_colorectal_cancer_treated_10.asp?sitearea=].
- Large Bowel Resection Series. Adam Healthcare Center. 27 Aug. 2006 [http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/100089.htm].
- Radiation Therapy. Adam Healthcare Center. 27 Aug. 2006 [http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/001918.htm].
Also Known As: colon cancer, bowel cancer, cancer of the large intestine, cancer of the large bowel
