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Colorectal Cancer - Test Your Knowledge |
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Colorectal Health
Colorectal Health The colon is a large (about four feet long) tubular organ
that is part of the digestive system that extends from the small bowels to the
anus. The colon absorbs nutrients, water, and electrolytes from food that has
remained undigested. The rectum is the final section of the large intestine
that terminates at the anus. Colorectal cancer occurs when cells that line the
colon and/or rectum grow and multiply abnormally. Colorectal cancer is the
third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women. Among women,
colorectal is the third leading cause of cancer deaths behind lung and breast
cancers. Among men, colorectal is the third leading cause of cancer deaths
behind lung and prostate cancers.
Sporadic colorectal cancer is a term that describes people with no family
history of the disease. Most cases (approximately 75%) of colorectal cancers
are sporadic. African Americans have the highest rates of sporadic colorectal
cancer in the nation. African-American women are more likely to die from
colorectal cancer than women in any other racial group and African-American men
are at an even risk to die from colorectal cancer than African-American women.
Some people are more likely to develop colorectal cancer than others. Studies
have found that certain factors increase a person’s risk. The following are
risk factors for colorectal cancer:
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Polyps - Most (perhaps all) colorectal cancers develop in polyps. Polyps are
benign, but they may become cancerous over time. Removing polyps is an
important way to prevent colorectal cancer.
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Age - Colorectal cancers occur most often in people who are over the age of 50,
and the risk increases as people get older.
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Family history - Close relatives of a person who has had colorectal cancer have
a higher than average risk of developing the disease. The risk for colon cancer
is even higher among members of a family in which many relatives have had it.
(In such cases, the disease is called familial colon cancer.)
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Familial polyposis - This is an inherited condition in which hundreds of polyps
develop in the colon and rectum. Over time, these polyps can become cancerous.
Unless the condition is treated, a person who has familial polyposis is almost
sure to develop colorectal cancer.
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Diet - The risk of developing colon cancer seems to be higher in people whose
diet is high in fat, low in fruits and vegetables, and low in high-fiber foods
such as whole-grain breads and cereals.
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Ulcerative colitis - This disease causes inflammation of the lining of the
colon. The risk of colon cancer is much greater than average for people who
have this disease, and the risk increases with the length of time they have had
it.
Although colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the
United States, scientists are trying to learn more about what causes the
disease and how it can be prevented. Doctors do not yet know why one person
gets colorectal cancer and another does not, but they do know that no one can
catch colorectal cancer from another person. Cancer is not contagious.
People can lower their risk of getting colorectal cancer. For example, those
who have colorectal polyps (nodular growths of tissue developing in the lining
of a cavity, which may be benign or malignant) should talk with the doctor
about having them removed. People can also change their eating habits to cut
down on fat and increase the amount of fiber (roughage) in their diet.
Colorectal cancer can cause many symptoms. Warning signs to watch for include:
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Change in bowel habits
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Diarrhea or constipation
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Blood in or on the stool (either bright red or very dark in color)
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Stools that are narrower than usual
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General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness and/or cramps)
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Frequent gas pains
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A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
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Weight loss with no known reason
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Constant tiredness
These symptoms also can be caused by other problems such as ulcers, an inflamed
colon or hemorrhoids. Only a doctor can determine the cause.
People who have any of these symptoms should see their doctor. The doctor may
refer them to a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive
problems (a gastroenterologist). Most health problems respond best to treatment
when they are diagnosed and treated as early as possible. This is especially
true of colorectal cancer. Treatment is most effective before the disease
spreads. People can take an active role in the early detection of colorectal
cancer by following these guidelines:
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During regular checkups, have a digital rectal exam. For this exam, the doctor
inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for abnormal
areas.
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Beginning at age 40, have an annual fecal occult blood test. This test is a
check for hidden (occult) blood in the stool. The test is done because
colorectal cancer may cause bleeding that cannot be seen. However, other
conditions also may cause bleeding, so having blood in the stool does not
necessarily mean a person has cancer.
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Beginning at age 50, have a sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years.
(Speak with your doctor.) This is an exam of the rectum and lower colon using a
sigmoidoscope. The doctor looks through a thin, lighted tube to check for
polyps, tumors or other abnormalities.
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People who may be at a greater than average risk for colon cancer should
discuss a schedule for these or other tests with their doctor.
Colorectal Cancer Q&A
Correct
answers will be marked with a red asteric '*'
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