Colon And Rectal Cancer

Colon and Rectal Image | Arizona Advanced Surgery

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, develops in either the large intestine or the rectum. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

Cancer occurs when healthy cells become altered, growing and dividing in a way that keeps the body from functioning normally. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as small, benign clusters of cells (polyps) on the lining of the colon or rectum. Certain types of polyps, called adenomas, can become malignant.

Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Depending on the stage of progression of the colorectal cancer, treatment may include one or more of the following:

Surgical removal of diseased and immediately adjacent tissue
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted or biological therapy

Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

There are many steps that may be taken to lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals may decrease their chances of developing this disease by eating a healthy low fat diet, high in fiber and antioxidants, drinking alcohol only in moderation, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and refraining from smoking.

For individuals at high risk for developing colorectal cancer, medications and surgery may be recommended. Everyone at high risk or 50 years of age and older, and African-Americans 45 years of age and older, should undergo a regularly scheduled colonoscopy, both to screen for cancer and to remove suspicious colorectal polyps at the earliest stage possible.