Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or rectum, which occurs when a growth in the lining of the large intestine becomes cancerous.¹ Most colorectal cancers come from precancerous polyps – adenomatous or serrated – which form and become cancerous (malignant) with abnormal cell growth over a span of 5 to 10 years.² In the US, colorectal cancer is the 3^rd most common cancer diagnosed and the 2^nd leading cause of death from cancer. It is the leading cause of GI-related deaths.¹

Common warning signs and symptoms include:

• persistent abdominal pain or discomfort (cramping)
• pain with bowel movements
• change in bowel habits
• rectal bleeding
• blood in the stool
• fatigue
• weight loss

Individuals at high risk for colorectal cancer are those with inflammatory bowel disease beginning before age 50. Average risk individuals are those with IBD beginning at or after age 50.² Once an individual develops colorectal cancer, there are no symptoms at first. Over time, the warning signs/symptoms can arise. If this occurs, then it is extremely important to see a healthcare provider to test for colorectal cancer and receive the necessary treatment if one is applicable.

Early detection of colorectal cancer is key! Prevention can largely be accomplished by the detection and removal of adenomatous, or precancerous, polyps even before symptoms arise. Some of the available screening options to detect precancerous polyps are²:

• fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• flexible sigmoidoscopy
• CT colonography

It was found that more than one-third of colorectal cancer cases can be avoided by routine screening.³ Individuals over the age of 50 are recommended for screening. Don’t wait!

References:

1.  Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. Accessed October 19, 2016.

2.  Colorectal Cancer (CRC) 104: Getting Tested. Accessed October 19, 2016.

3.  Shaukat A, Mongin SJ, Geisser MS, et al. Long-Term Mortality after Screening for Colorectal Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2013;369(12):1106-1114. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1300720.