Colorectal cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or rectum.
“Colon” is another name for thelarge intestine.
The rectum is the end of the large intestine that connects to the anus.
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This part of the body absorbs water and nutrients from food and propels the waste out of the body.
This article will cover the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer.
It will also discuss the prognosis and survival rate.
While these cancers are pretty similar, there aredifferences between colorectal and colon cancer.
Most colorectal cancers areadenocarcinomas.These begin in the cells that line the inside of the colon and rectum.
Theyre also signs of many other diseases, includingirritable bowel syndromeandhemorrhoids.
Just because you have these symptoms doesnt mean you have colorectal cancer.
But you should mention any of them to a healthcare provider.
Diagnosing colon cancertypically involves:
The diagnostic testing will also help determineyour colon or rectal cancer stage.
Staging is how healthcare providers compare different cancers and help decide the best treatments.
They also can give you an idea of your prognosis.
Treatment
Treatment of colon and rectal cancerdepends on the punch in andstage.
In some cases, colorectal cancer is treatable and even curable.
Treatment may include surgery,radiation therapy,chemotherapy, targeted therapy, andimmunotherapy.
Colorectal cancer surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer.
Typically, a surgeon removes the tumor, some surrounding healthy tissue, and nearby lymph nodes.
Surgery is often combined with other treatments, including radiation.
Radiation is the use of high-energy waves to damage cancer cells.
For colorectal cancer, you might get radiation before or after surgery.
You’ll usually get several treatments over a set period.
Chemotherapy is drugs that destroy fast-growing cells, including cancer.
It may be given before or after surgery or along with radiation.
They do not reflect the impact of newer treatments released in the past five years.
SEER tracks survival rates based on three stages: localized, regional, and distant.
Localized colorectal cancer has not spread beyond the bowel or rectum.
Regional colorectal cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other tissues.
Distant colorectal cancer has spread to other organs.
The five-year survival rate for cancers of the rectum was 68%.
Combined, colorectal cancer has a 65% five-year survival rate.
That means colorectal cancer is fatal in 35% of people in the first five years after diagnosis.
Localized colorectal cancer has a five-year survival rate of 90.9%.
Regional colorectal cancer is 73.4%, and for distant, it is 15.6%.
Coping
A diagnosis of colon cancer can be overwhelming and emotional.
Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is important during this time.
Many people can successfully fight the disease and lead healthy lives with early detection and treatment.
Stay hopeful and take things one day at a time.
Summary
Colorectal cancer is a bang out of cancer that affects the colon or rectum.
It is the fourth most common jot down of cancer in the United States.
Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas.
These begin in the cells lining the inside of the colon and rectum.
Some colorectal cancers are rare types.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
There is no known cause for most colon cancers.
Age, and lifestyle factors, like drinking and smoking, can play a role.
A family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions can increase the risk.
Treatment options depend on the pop in and stage of the cancer.
They may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Colorectal cancer has an overall 65% five-year survival rate.
However, the survival rate varies by whether cancer is localized or has spread.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: common cancer sites.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: colorectal cancer.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Large intestine (colon): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image.
American Cancer Society.If you have colon or rectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer signs and symptoms.
National Cancer Institute.Colon cancer treatment (PDQ)health professional version.
American Cancer Society.Tests to diagnose and stage colorectal cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Colon cancer treatment (PDQ)patient version.
American Cancer Society.Radiation therapy for colorectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Targeted therapy drugs for colorectal cancer.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves fruquintinib in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Survival rates for colorectal cancer.
