USF-COM
Department
of Family Medicine
Patient Education Information on...
Index of
Patient Education Topics
What is colorectal cancer?
It is a cancer affecting the digestive system, involving the large intestine
and rectum. Colorectal CA initially presents as a polyp. A
polyp is an abnormal growth that protrudes from a surface of tissue.
These polyps may remain unchanged or become cancerous over time.
The sooner they are found , the easier they are to treat.
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How common is it?
Colorectal CA is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the U.S.
The American Cancer Association estimates that there will be 150,000 new
cases diagnosed and approx. 61,000 deaths within the coming year.
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What are my chances of getting Colorectal CA?
The lifetime probability that a person will develop Colon CA or rectum
is 5-6%. Certain subgroups have an increased risk : Family history
of Familial Polyposis Syndrome, Personal history of ulcerative colitis,
previous colon CA, prev. colonic adenoma, personal history of female
genital or breast CA, family history of colorectal CA.
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What are some signs that I may have Colorectal CA?
The most common sign of Colorectal CA is bleeding from the rectum. Although
hemorrhoids may present this way, you should always contact your physician,
if these symptoms occur. Other common symptoms include chronic fatigue,
watery stool, and involuntary weight loss.
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Are there any tests for Colorectal CA?
Screening is an important tool in the prevention of Colorectal CA.
According to the USPSTF, anyone over the age of 50 w/o risk factors, or
40 w/ risk factors should receive annual fecal occult blood testing.
The American College of Physicians recommends flex sigmoidoscopy every
3-5 years beginning at age 50. A combination of fecal occult blood testing
and flex sig. has proven to decrease the mortality of Colorectal CA by
finding lesions early enough for successful treatment.
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What if something is found during a screening?
The next step is barium contrast enema, complete colonscopy and biopsy
of the lesion. If the lesion is found to be malignant, then subsequent
surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may be necessary. As
with all cancer treatment, the complications are numerous and should be
discussed with your physician.
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What can I do to keep this from happening to me?
Key preventitive issues include eating a low fat, low red meat, and high
fiber diet, smoking cessation and an annual physical exam with a primary
care physician. This exam should include colorectal cancer screening.
With these few adjustments in lifestyle, people can live prosperous lives
and avoid the complications of Colorectal CA.
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References
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Eddy DM. Screening for Colorectal Cancer. Ann Intern Med. 1990;113:373-84.
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Frame PS, Berg AO, Woolf S. Prevention 1996 Highlights from the New U.S.
Preventitive Services Task Force Report. Am Fam Physician 1997; 55: 567-76.
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Ransohoff DF, Lang CA. Screening for Colorectal CA. N Eng J Med. 1991;
325:37-41.