cbs4 My 33 Header Logo

Colorectal Cancer

Take time to learn about Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the combined name for two types of cancers–colon cancer and rectal cancer–and is often referred to as colon cancer. Colon and rectal cancer develop in the intestines and rectum, which are part of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) system.

· The average person has a one in 20 chance of developing colorectal cancer.
· Each year, the number of people who die from colorectal cancer is decreasing.
· It is important to get tested. It typically takes 5 to 10 years for a polyp to become cancerous.

Who is at risk?

· Over 50 years old.
· A history of polyps.
· Family history of colorectal cancer.
· Diabetes, which increases chances of developing it.

Prevention

· Eat fiber.
· Limit fat.
· Stay physically active.
· Get tested.

Symptoms and signs

· Change in bowel habits.
· Rectal bleeding.
· Persistent abdominal discomfort.
· Abdominal pain.
· Feeling of incomplete emptying.

Screening and diagnosis

· Rectal exam – routinely
· Stool blood test – yearly
· Barium enema – every five years
· Flexible sigmoidoscopy – every five years
· Colonoscopy – every 10 years

There are several treatment options available for people who have been diagnosed with colon cancer. There are four primary therapies to consider: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and newer, targeted therapies, called monoclonal antibodies. The choice of treatment depends on the location of the tumor and its stage.

Source: HealthiNation

The above information is intended for educational purposes. It is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition. To read more about colorectal cancer, visit CBS Local’s HealthWatch Colorectal Topic Center.
Partners
HW-290x219-footage

Check Out The CBS HealthWatch Colorectal Webcast

Watch Dr. Travis Stork from The Doctors and a panel of renowned medical experts discuss colorectal cancer and digestive health.

Latest Colorectal Cancer News
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons

Laparoscopic Surgery – What Is It?

What is laparoscopic surgery?

Colon Cancer Alliance

Time To Talk About Colon Cancer

When is the last time you talked about colon cancer?

wpid-acs-logo-for-post_4.jpg

Five Myths About Colorectal Cancer

In many cases, colorectal cancer can be prevented.

wpid-ascrs-for-post-vdp_4.jpg

Colorectal Cancer Surgery-Follow Up Evaluation

Why should there be a postoperative follow-up program?

Colon Cancer Alliance

Colon Cancer Screening Saves Lives, But Many People Still Don’t Get Screened

One in three people 50 years or older has not been screened for colon cancer, yet screening could help save their lives.

wpid-acs-logo-for-post1_1.jpg

Never Tested for Colon Cancer? What’s Your Excuse?

These are some of the words that come to mind for lots of folks when they think about getting tested for colorectal cancer.

knockingout

Knocking Out The Side Effects Of Colorectal Cancer Treatment

By Laura D. Porter, MD Colon Cancer Alliance Patient Advocate Medical Consultant In January 2003, I was 42 and completing my first year of my pediatric residency. My life was extremely busy; I was working [...]

(credit: AP)

Awareness Key To The Colon Cancer Fight

By Andrew Spiegel Colon Cancer Alliance One of the keys to eradicating colon cancer is awareness. Being aware of risk factors, symptoms, family history and screening options will not only help in fighting the disease [...]

football

Football Star Says His Mission Is To Save Lives

By The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons No one expects to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, especially a former professional football player who takes pride in staying in good physical condition. Yet that’s [...]

(credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Colorectal Cancer Survivor: ‘Timing Is Everything’

By The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Three years ago, 61-year-old Sharon Tschider from Bismarck, North Dakota, noticed she had bleeding with her bowel movements. Married and the mother of seven children, at [...]

(credit: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images)

The Colon: What It Is And Why It’s Important

By The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons What exactly is the colon and what is its function? Read this article to learn the answers to these questions, and more. What is the Colon? [...]

(credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Common Questions About Colorectal Cancer

By The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons What is colorectal cancer? What’s a polyp? What causes the deadly disease? Here are some answers to the questions you may have about colorectal cancer. What [...]

(credit: John Moore/Getty Images)

Colorectal Cancer Rates By State

By The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention In the following maps, the U.S. states are divided into groups based on the rates at which people developed or died from colorectal cancer in 2007, the [...]

(credit: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Patients Share Their Colorectal Screening Stories

By The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Visiting the doctor can be a scary time for some, even when all that’s expected is a routine check-up. So imagine the kinds of worries some may [...]

(credit: Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images)

Lowering Your Risk For Colorectal Cancer

By The American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons Avoiding alcohol, regular exercise, and sticking to a healthy diet are just a few of the ways you can reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer. [...]

Colorectal Cancer Videos

Best Farmer’s Markets In South Florida

Make Health Happen Miami Commercial Shoot