Cancer and Blood Care

Colorectal Cancer‎

Video: Watch the video above to learn more about lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases your risk for developing colon cancer and other cancers, like uterine, ovarian and stomach.

Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon and rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in America. Colon cancer occurs in the large intestine. If the cancer is in the last 6 inches of the colon (the rectum), it is considered rectal cancer. The colon is the lower part of the digestive system, which processes food for energy and rids the body of solid waste. Together, these cancers are referred to as colorectal cancers. Most colorectal cancers begin as benign adenomas, or polyps that grow on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths spread very slowly, taking from 10 to 20 years to become cancerous. Regular screening tests can identify and remove polyps before they become cancerous. Once colorectal cancer is diagnosed, the prognosis depends on how much the cancer has spread.

Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people over 50. Although colorectal cancer is responsible for thousands of deaths every year, it is highly treatable if caught early.

Signs and Symptoms

Unfortunately, most people with colorectal cancer do not have any symptoms in the early stage of the disease. That is why screening tests, such as a colonoscopy, are so important.

In general, signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can include the following:

  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Blood in the stool
  • Problems related to blood loss (anemia, weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, pounding or racing heart, chest pain, and intolerance to exercise)
  • Abdominal discomfort (frequent gas, bloating, fullness, cramps, and pain)
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Pain with bowel movement
  • Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
  • Fatigue

These symptoms may be caused by colorectal cancer or by other conditions such as infections, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease. It is important to tell your doctor about any of these symptoms.

Causes

More than half of all colorectal cancers occur without any known cause. Studies also suggest that genetics may play a role. Some people with colorectal cancer carry specific genetic mutations or have relatives with the condition. Those with a family history of specific genetic syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis, Lynch syndrome, juvenile polyposis, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, are also at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. About 25% of people have a familial component. Smoking and eating a high-fat diet also raise the risk of developing cancer.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

  • Age (being over 50)
  • Having colorectal cancer previously
  • Having a history of adenomatous polyps
  • Family history of colorectal cancer
  • Eating a high-fat diet
  • Prolonged consumption of red and processed meat
  • Smoking
  • Being overweight
  • Heavy use of alcohol
  • Having inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis)
  • Having diabetes
  • Previous endometrial or ovarian cancer
  • Women undergoing radiation for gynecologic cancer