Colorectal cancer

• Definition
· Colorectal cancer is the disease of cancer of the large intestine (colon) or rectum.

• Overview
· Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death due to cancer.
· Colorectal cancer affects more than 150,000 Americans each year and 40% of them will die from the cancer.
The risk of developing Colorectal cancer increases rapidly after age 45 and most cases of Colorectal cancer are diagnosed after age 50.

· Colorectal cancer risk is increased in people with diets high in fats, especially red meat. Diets that are high in fiber, vegetables, nuts and fruits tend to reduce the risk of Colorectal cancer.

· Colorectal cancer risk is likely reduced by:
Folic acid (folate supplements)
Antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E
Aspirin
Non steroidal anti inflammatories (NSAIDS) such as Advil and Naprosyn
Calcium carbonate
Vitamin D

• Symptoms
· Symptoms of Colorectal cancer depend on the location of the cancer within the colon.
· Fatigue and weakness can be symptoms of a colon cancer-induced anemia.
· Anemia can be a sign of a colon cancer which can slowly bleed leading to blood loss and iron deficiency.
· Constipation
· Diarrhea

• Treatment
· Colorectal cancer that has not spread is usually treated by surgery and localized disease is usually very curable.
· Colorectal cancer that has spread is more difficult to treat and usually requires surgery and chemotherapy.

References

http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov.

Posted on August 25, 2009

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