Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women combined in the U.S. The majority of colorectal cancer cases are discovered in people age 50 and over. Screening is essential to diagnosing colorectal cancer because the disease typically lacks symptoms in the early stages. Approximately 20 percent of adults over 50 have not been screened at all. Colorectal cancer develops in the cells lining the colon and rectum. The stage is based on the extent of the spread of cancer through deeper layers, lymph nodes, and surrounding structures.
Statistics
- In 2021, an estimated 149,500 cases of colon and rectal cancer were expected to be diagnosed in the United States.
- An estimated 52,980 people in the United States were expected to die from colorectal cancer in 2021.
- The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer discovered early and before the cancer spreads is 90 percent, but only 38 percent of colorectal cancers are identified in this early stage.
- In Texas in 2021, there were 11,280 expected new cases of colon and rectal cancer and 4,030 deaths.
Texas Oncology Virtual Discussion: Taking the Taboo Out of Women's Gastrointestinal Health
Some “taboo” topics are meant to be busted, and female gastrointestinal health is one of them. In this virtual discussion, our Amarillo colon and rectal surgeon, Rachel A. Weinheimer, M.D., tackles sensitive women’s health topics focused on colon and gut health, including anal fissures, colonoscopies, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse.
Colonoscopy: An essential screening tool to assure colon health
A colonoscopy is an essential tool for assuring good colon health. A colonoscopy is a way to see the entire large intestine and check for any abnormalities or disease. The procedure is also a critical in detecting cancer and other disorders of the colon.
Risk Factors
- Age: People age 50 and over have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, colorectal cancer in people under 50 is rising.
- Family History: People with a family history of colorectal polyps, along with a family history of colorectal cancer, are at greater risk and should consult a doctor about screening frequency.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: People with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk of colorectal cancer and may need earlier or more frequent screening.
- Diet: Diets that contain large amounts of red and processed meats can increase risk.
- Personal Health: Overweight and inactive people are at a higher risk. Type 2 diabetes has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. People with a history of polyps are also at an increased risk, and may need earlier or more frequent screening. Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol use raise risk.
- Inherited Syndromes: Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) increase risk of colorectal cancer. Lynch syndrome is responsible for about 2-4 percent of colorectal cancers, and those with the condition have a lifetime risk of up to 50 percent of developing colorectal cancer. FAP, which can increase polyp development, causes about 1 percent of colorectal cancer cases. Genetic testing can determine if a person has the gene mutation associated with these syndromes.
Symptoms
Typically, people in the early stages of colorectal cancer do not have symptoms; symptoms become apparent as the disease advances. If a person experiences any of the following symptoms, he or she should consult a physician.
- Abnormal bowel habits
- Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- Cramping or stomach discomfort
- Frequent gas or feeling bloated
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Blood in the stool
- Feeling of weakness or fatigue
- Stools that are narrower than usual
- Anemia
- Decreased appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling bowel doesn’t fully empty
Prevention
- Screening: Men and women age 45 and older with an average risk for developing colorectal cancer should discuss the most appropriate screening test with their physician. Screening tests include annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT); multi-targeted stool DNA (MT-sDNA) test every three years; flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; double-contrast barium enema every five to 10 years; virtual colonoscopy every five years; or colonoscopy every 10 years. Those with increased risk factors should consult their physician whether to begin screenings earlier than age 45. Those with symptoms or a positive test from another type of test should have a colonoscopy.
- Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight through a regular exercise schedule and healthy diet may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Long-term smoking increases risk. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are linked to lower risk of colorectal cancer and polyps. However, these drugs can have serious side effects. You should talk with your physician before taking them specifically to lower your risk.
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Treatment Options
Main types of treatment for colorectal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, proton therapy, chemotherapy, ablation, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and palliative medicine. Specific needs may be addressed by surgeons, gastroenterologists, or medical or radiation oncologists. For complex treatments, a team of specialists may be involved.