Colorectal Cancer

The Facts

The colon and rectum are parts of the digestive system. They form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also called the large bowel). The colon is the first 4 to 5 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last several inches. Partly digested food enters the colon from the small intestine. The colon removes water and nutrients from the food and turns the rest into waste (stool). The waste passes from the colon into the rectum and then out of the body through the anus.

Who is at Risk?

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop colorectal cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease. Studies have found the following risk factors for colorectal cancer:

• Age over 50: colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older. More that 90 percent of people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50.
• The average age at diagnosis is 72.
• Colorectal polyps: polyps are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. They are common in people over age 50. Most polyps are benign (not cancer), but some polyps (adenomas) can become cancer. Finding and removing polyps may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Family history of colorectal cancer: close relatives (parents, brothers, sisters, or children) of a person with a history of colorectal cancer are somewhat more likely to develop this disease themselves, especially if a history of colorectal cancer, the risk is even greater.
• Genetic alterations: changes in certain genes increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Personal history of cancer: a person who has already had colorectal cancer may develop colorectal cancer a second time. Also, women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus (endometrium), or breast are at a somewhat higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease: A person who has had a condition that causes inflammation of the colon (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) for many years is at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
• Diet: Studies suggest that diets high in fat (especially animal fat) and low in calcium, folate, and fiber may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Also, some studies suggest that people who eat a diet very low in fruits and vegetables may have a higher risk of colorectal cancer. However, results from diet studies do not always agree, and more research is needed to better understand how diet affects the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Cigarette smoking: A person who smokes cigarettes may be at increased risk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer.

The Best Defense: Prevention & Detection

The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for early detection:

• Stool blood test (fecal occult blood test or FOBT)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (flex-sig)
• Colonoscopy
• Barium enema with air contrast
• Virtual colonoscopy

 

St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center
Southwest Healthcare Services
West River Health Services
ND Department of Health
ND Cancer Coalition
North Dakota Cancer Coalition
Go Red ND
American Heart Association
MyPyramid.gov
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
American Institute for Cancer Research
Kids a Cookin'