About Colorectal Cancer
Contents
About Colorectal Cancer
Treatment
10 Tips to Lower Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Further Information
Latest Research
Latest News
About Colorectal Cancer
What is Cancer and What is Colorectal Cancer?
Cancer is the term given to diseases in which cells become abnormal and keep dividing without control or order. Cells are masses of protoplasm which make up all the tissues of the body and become specialized to develop into the body's organs and structures, such as the bones, blood, nerves, muscles and glands. Normally, cells grow, divide and produce more cells to keep the body functioning properly. Abnormal cells can accumulate and form growths or masses called tumors. Tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer) which can invade and destroy normal tissue. Cancer cells can spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body. The spread of a tumor from the original location to a new site is called metastasis.
Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the
colon and/or
rectum. The most common type of colorectal cancer is adenocarcinoma (cancer of the glandular cells that line the inside of the colon and the rectum). It is important to note that colon cancer and rectal cancer have many features in common, but may be treated differently.
The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine or bowel which is part of the digestive system. The purpose of the digestive system is to remove nutrients (vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and water) from the foods eaten and to store the waste until it passes out of the body. The digestive system also includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, and small intestine. The food passes through the esophagus and stomach to the the small intestine, also called the small bowel, where most of the nutrients are absorbed. The last 6 feet of the intestine is called the large bowel or colon. The rectum is the last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine and is where solid waste is stored until it leaves the body through the anus.
Cancer can develop in any of the four sections of the colon - the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon or the sigmoid colon - or in the rectum. Before a cell becomes malignant, there are often precancerous changes in the lining of the colon or rectum, such as dysplasia or polyps. Some polyps, such as the adenomatous type (a benign growth of glandular cells), may turn into cancer. Removing a polyp early, such as during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, may prevent it from becoming cancer.
Over 95% of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas. If not treated, these cells may invade the wall of the colon and rectum, or may spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymph system. Sites where colorectal cancer may metastasize or spread include the liver, lungs, brain and bones.
Source: "Medical Encyclopedia Digestive System" Dr. Koops Health Resources
http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/programs/frankly/colorectal/understanding/whatiscancer.htm∞
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a term used to describe cancers (lumps, growths, tumours) of the colon (the large intestine or bowel) and rectum. Together, they are one of the most common cancers in the world. Tumours can be described as benign or malignant. Benign tumours do not spread, but malignant tumours, such as in colorectal cancer, are made up of cells that can spread to and damage other parts of the body.
* The colon and rectum are part of the body's digestive system and are also known as the large bowel.
* The colon is responsible for reabsorbing large amounts of water and nutrients from undigested food products passing along it.
* The rectum is situated at the end of the colon and stores the waste material before it is passed out of the body.
:
* A change in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation or a feeling the bowel does not empty itself properly).
* Blood in the stools.
* General abdominal discomfort such as pains, bloating or fullness.
* Unexplained weight loss, tiredness and vomiting.
However, many of these symptoms may also occur in association with other conditions and therefore it is essential to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis.
How do you get Colorectal Cancer?
As with many other types of cancer, the exact causes of colorectal cancer are unclear, although a number of risk factors have been identified that may increase a person's chance of developing the condition. For example, the risk is increased:
* In more elderly people.
* In people who have a diet high in protein, saturated fats and calories, but low in fibre. Also in those with a high intake of alcohol.
* In those with a past history of some female cancers, such as those of the breast, ovary or uterus.
* In people who have one or more close family members who have had colorectal cancer.
* People with the condition
Ulcerative Colitis, where the lining of the colon becomes inflamed also have a higher risk.
* Another common risk factor for colorectal cancer is the presence of polyps. These are benign growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. If they are left untreated, they may, over time, become cancerous.
It should be remembered however, that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that a person will develop the disease. It just increases their chances of getting it.
How serious is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is potentially a very serious condition and can be life-threatening.
How long does Colorectal Cancer last?
Colorectal cancer is the second most common tumour in men and women (lung cancer is most common).
* It is estimated that 1 or 2 people out of every 100, aged 50 years and over, will develop colorectal cancer.
* Approximately 4 out of 10 patients are at the advanced stages by the time it is first detected and confirmed (diagnosis).
* This means that surgery is the most likely option after the initial diagnosis and consultation.
* In a smaller number of cases, it is possible that the patient may only need treatment by a medical or clinical cancer specialist, without surgery.
Treatment
Unlike many other tumours, the actual size of the tumour is not the most important factor that determines outcome. More important is how much the tumour has spread. Doctors will do tests to 'stage' the cancer to determine how best to treat it. Treatment of colorectal cancer will vary depending on the extent of the disease:
* In the early stages, the main treatment will be surgery to remove the tumour and surrounding tissue. In some cases, no further treatment will be needed, as the cancer will have been removed. Depending on individual circumstances, the surgeon might be able to reconnect the intestines after removing the tumour and thus avoid the need for a
colostomy. This is not always possible however, and a
temporary or permanent colostomy might be required in some people.
* Sometimes, it may be necessary to use other forms of treatment in combination with surgery to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.
* In both cancer of the colon and rectum,
chemotherapy may be given in case any cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. These powerful medicines work by killing cancer cells by stopping them from dividing and growing.
* In rectal cancer,
radiotherapy, which also stops tumour cells from dividing and growing, may also be used as this has been shown to be beneficial to some patients.
10 Tips to Lower Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer
1. Receive regular colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 50 if you are at normal risk.
2. If you are at higher risk due to a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, other cancers or inflammatory bowel disease talk to your doctor about screenings before age 50.
2. Eat between 25 and 30 grams of fiber each day from fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, nuts, and beans.
3. Eat a low-fat diet. Colorectal cancer has been associated with diets high in saturated fat.
4. Eat foods with folate, such as leafy green vegetables.
5. Drink alcohol in moderation.
6. Quit smoking. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.
7. Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days a week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening or climbing stairs may help reduce your risk.
8. Report to your doctor any persistent symptoms such as blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, weight loss, narrower-than-usual stools, abdominal pains or other gastrointestinal complaints.
9. Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
10. For more information, please visit the Web site of the American Cancer Society at
http://www.cancer.org∞.
University of California
924 Westwood Blvd., Ste. 350
Los Angeles, CA 90095
United States
http://www.berkeley.edu/∞
Further Information
Cancer Information and links for other Wiki Cancer Pages
Message Board - Cancer with an Ostomy Section∞.
A place for those whose cancer results in an an ostomy to ask questions, seek support, discuss treatments etc etc.
A list of websites, Message Boards etc for cancers which can lead to ostomies∞
Latest Research
Colorectal Cancer Research
Includes articles about new drugs, treatment methods etc.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment Methods Research
Includes articles about which treatment methods etc are working well or creating problems.
Colorectal Cancer Explained
Includes articles which explain aspects of Colorectal Cancer, why it develops in the first place etc.
Latest News
Colorectal Cancer Treatment News
Includes articles about funding etc.
Categories
CategoryCancer
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