As with any type of cancer, early detection and treatment greatly increase the chances of being cured, so your life depends upon your recognition of warning signs and symptoms.

  Cancer is not just one disease but a group of diseases that may arise from virtually any tissue in the body.  Most cancers are named after the tissue or body part where the cancer originated.  Colon or rectal cancer (colorectal or adenocarcinoma of the large intestine) begins in either the colon (large intestine) or rectum but if it spreads to the lungs or brain it is still considered colorectal cancer and not lung or brain cancer.

  Each year approximately 125 to 150 thousand people will be found to have colon cancer and although the cause is not completely understood, environmental and hereditary factors are believed to lead to colon cancer.  Even though the death rate from colorectal cancer has been going down for the past twenty years, there are still about 50 thousand people a year who die from this condition. 

  In many cases, this type of cancer can be detected early by paying close attention to your body’s warning signs.  Weakness and fatigue or weakness associated with decreased appetite and cramping or gnawing stomach or abdominal pain may be an early sign.  Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool can be caused by something as simple as hemorrhoids or a small rectal tear but if it persists it may be a sign of colorectal cancer.  If you develop a change in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation or narrowing of the stool that lasts more than a few days or if you have a feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that does not seem to go away, this may be an early sign.  Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have cancer as it is possible for you to have colon or rectal cancer and not have any symptoms.  For this reason you must see your doctor for a proper history and examination as well as screening tests.  These tests can find many cancers early and greatly improve the chances of successful treatment. 

  Screening tests include a rectal examination whereby your doctor checks your rectum with a gloved finger to feel for any abnormalities.  Although this is a somewhat undignified examination, it is simple and effective for detecting rectal abnormalities and prostate abnormalities in men.  Testing stool samples for blood is another simple way to screen for abnormalities.  Other tests include sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy wherein a slender, flexible scope is placed into the rectum and the colon to navigate and inspect for polyps (growths that may be benign or malignant).  If your doctor sees anything unusual, a biopsy may be done to obtain a diagnosis.  Another useful test is a barium enema which includes an enema of a chalky barium solution that can be seen upon x-ray to fill in around polyps or to demonstrate a constriction of the bowel.

  The American Cancer Society recommends that starting at age 50 both men and women should have yearly stool samples tested for blood and flexible sigmoidoscopy and digital rectal exam every five years or a colonoscopy and digital rectal exam every ten years or a barium enema and digital rectal examination every five to ten years.  The main risk factors for colorectal cancer are age older than 50 years, long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis), Crohn’s disease, family history of colon cancer or intestinal polyps.

  If the diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer is made, complete removal of this abnormal tissue is the best therapy to achieve the best chance for cure if there is no evidence of metastasis (spread).  Sometimes chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be recommended after surgical treatment. 

  The American Cancer Society recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day and six servings of other food from plant sources such as bread, cereals, grain products, rice, pasta or beans.  Diets made up mostly of foods that are high in fat, especially from animal sources, may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

  Living with a serious disease such as cancer can be very physically and emotionally challenging that will require the support of those close to you.  Take responsibility for your health care and schedule periodic screening tests to prevent, as possible, this situation for you and your family.