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| Home > Mercy Medical Group > MMG Health Information > Adults > Cancer |
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Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
(Colorectal Cancer) |
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DEFINITION
The colon (large intestine) and rectum make up the final segment of the
digestive tract. It is the lower four to five feet of the intestine that travels
around the borders of your abdominal area. The rectum is the last four to five
inches at the end of the colon. Cancer can develop anywhere along the digestive
tract. Cancer of the colon and rectum is called colorectal cancer. Colorectal
cancer is potentially one of the most curable cancers if detected early.
INCIDENCE
- Second leading cause of death from cancer and it affects men and women
equally
- 160,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.
RISK FACTORS
- Age over 40
- Family history of colon cancer or multiple polyps in a parent, sibling or
other family member
- History of colon, breast or uterine cancer, Crohn's disease or ulcerative
colitis
- High fat and low fiber diet
WARNING SIGNS
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Blood in stool (bright red or very dark)
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness, cramps)
- Frequent gas pains
- A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Weight loss with no known reason
- Constant tiredness
These symptoms can be caused by a number of problems such as the
flu, ulcers and inflamed colon or cancer. It is important to see your physician
if any of these symptoms last longer than two weeks.
EARLY DETECTION
The American Cancer Society recommends three tests as valuable aids in detecting
colon and rectal cancer early in people without symptoms:
- A physician should perform a digital rectal exam during an office visit
every year after age 50
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is recommended every year after age 50. One
of the earliest signs of colorectal cancer is often occult (hidden) blood in
the stool
- Screening sigmoidoscopy every three to five years after age 50. This is an
exam of the rectum and lower colon using a sigmoidoscope. The physician looks
through a thin, lighted tube to check for polyps, tumors or other
abnormalities.
PREVENTION
- Decrease fat in the diet
- Increase fiber (bulk) in diet, such as whole grains, bran, fresh fruits
and vegetables
- Yearly physical exam by your physician
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- National Cancer Institute Information Service at 800 4-CANCER (422-6237)
or
www.cancer.gov
American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or
www.cancer.org
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