Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in our country for both men and women. In fact, The American Cancer Society estimates more than 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and more than 40,000 new cases of rectal cancer will develop this year alone. Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine known as the colon. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last few inches of the colon. Together, they are commonly referred to as colorectal cancer.

Colon and rectal cancers begin in the digestive system that processes food into energy. Once food is chewed and swallowed, it travels to the stomach where it is partially broken down and sent to the small intestine which is about 20 feet in length. The small intestine further breaks down the food and most of the nutrients contained therein. From there, it passes on to the large intestine which is about 6 feet in length. The colon absorbs water and acts as a holding facility for stool that ultimately passes through to the rectum for evacuation.

Cancers of the colon and rectum have numerous features in common; however, their treatments differ. They commonly develop slowly over a number of years, beginning as a small clump of cells known as adenomatous polyps, small tissue growths that enlarge into the center of the colon or rectum. Polyps can be benign and are not always cancerous in nature but one type known as an adenoma can advance to become cancerous; more than 95% of colon and rectal cancers are adenocarcinomas.

Most individuals with early cancer don’t have any symptoms that commonly only develop as the disease advances. Early signs and symptoms include a change in bowel habits to include diarrhea or constipation, rectal bleed, dark stools, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain or cramping, and blood in the stool. It should be noted that everyone has periods of constipation or diarrhea now and then. This does not represent colon cancer but is more likely linked with food consumption, stress, or numerous other possibilities. Changes that last for a week or more, whether those listed above or differing, should be reported to your physician or gastroenterologist who may choose to do blood work such as a complete blood count to test you for anemia, order a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, PET scan, or other testing. If he or she leans toward the possibility of colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema might be ordered. If polyps are detected, the polyp will likely be removed during colonoscopy for biopsy.

Those at increased risk include individuals with a known family history of polyps or colorectal cancer, and who may themselves have ulcerative colitis, a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, being on a low-fiber/high-fat diet, leading a sedentary lifestyle, heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco usage, and obesity. This leads us to understand there are things we can do today in the form of a healthful diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from excessive smoking and alcohol that can go a long way toward keeping our bodies healthy.

Cancer is categorized into four stages. Stage I indicates the cancer has grown through the mucosa of the colon or rectum but hasn’t spread. Stage II indicates it has grown into or through the colon or rectum wall but hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage III implies it has invaded those lymph nodes but hasn’t spread to the rest of the body. Finally Stage IV designates malignancy. Treatment will depend on the stage of cancer presented and will essentially include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation as the three main options.

At a minimum and beginning at the age of 50, individuals – both men and women – should have a fecal occult blood test annually as part of a routine examination, undergo a sigmoidoscopy every five years, and colonoscopy every 10 years unless a gastroenterologist or medical specialist recommends sooner. Thanks to advances in prevention coupled with early detection and early treatment, there are more than a million people in our country who are colorectal cancer survivors. Become one of them. Make an appointment with your doctor and get the checkup that may save your life.

Simply put, colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or rectum. Nearly 145,000 people, both men and women, will be diagnosed with the condition this year alone. What is even more frightening than that figure is that almost one third of those people will die as a result. Colorectal cancer is considered the leading cause of cancer death for men and women.

The initial stages of colorectal cancer don’t generally exhibit warning signs or symptoms; however, when they do occur, medical intervention must be sought. These include a change in bowel habits such as new onset of constipation and/or diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, bloating and fullness of the abdomen, and vomiting. This is not to say the average individual will never experience one or all of these symptoms for other, less serious, reasons. For example, rectal bleeding may be from a simple hemorrhoid. Constipation may be caused by a medication’s side effect. Diarrhea may be caused by a specific food or food additive. Fatigue can result from stresses at work or home. We must be mindful and not panic when a problem appears but take it as a sign that something is going on and needs attention.

Risk factors include advancing age, a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, eating too much red meat, drinking to excess, smoking, and more. If you find you fall into one or more of these categories, take steps to prevent becoming a statistic. Beginning today, eat less red meat and eliminate processed meats from your diet. Include fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your meal planning. Maintain a healthy weight by exercising almost every day. This can range from simply walking around the block, using the stairs instead of taking the elevator, to more strenuous workouts. If the latter is chosen, be sure to speak with your primary physician before initiating any regimen. Limit your alcohol consumption to no more than one drink each day. The act of smoking alone can have long-term devastating effects on the body and should be ideally discontinued or at least substantially reduced.

You already visit your doctor for a yearly physical or when ill, so when you approach the age of 50, why not begin the screening process also? With any known family history, your physician may want you to begin sooner. Accept those dreaded stool blood test packets your physician urges you to perform. They’re done in the convenience of your home and returned to your doctor’s office for analysis. Piece of cake! Have a virtual colonoscopy, double contrast barium enema, or flexible colonoscopy every 5-10 years. Your physician can recommend which test is most appropriate. Any abnormality from the non-invasive testing will likely be followed by colonoscopy, a procedure that allows your gastroenterologist or surgeon to view the entire large intestine for early signs of cancer.

Should a problem be found, the most common treatment recommended is surgery. If caner is detected, chemotherapy or radiation may be appropriate. The bottom line and whatever the outcome or procedure, early detection is best. Don’t become a statistic. Speak with your physician during your next scheduled examination and get tested. Follow that famous saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You’re worth it.