Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), which is currently ranked as the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, is a disease of the colon and/or rectum. Unlike most cancers, CRC is often preventable with screening and highly treatable when detected early. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with this disease and more than 50,000 die.

Historically, most cases of CRC have occurred in people ages 45 and older, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people. The cause for this shift is believed to be an increase in screening by older adults, combined with a decrease in modifiable risk factors in that age group.

CRC may develop without symptoms. If you are 45 or older and at average risk, it is recommended that you begin screenings.

‍Modifiable risk factors:

Unmodifiable risk factors:

Signs and symptoms of CRC may include:

Types of CRC screening
The type of screening that is recommended for you will varydepending on your medical condition, your preferences and your physician’srecommendation, and may include:

Treatment of CRC

After care following treatment

March is national colorectal awareness month. Save a life: yours. Get screened for CRC.

• Overweight or obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Low fiber, high fat diet
• Diet high in red and processed meats
• Smoking
• Alcohol use

• Age (over 50 most at risk, but increasing in younger people)     
• Race/ ethnicity:  African Americans have the highest colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates of all racial groups in the US. Ashkenazi Jews have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world.
• A personal or family history of adenomatous colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Having an inherited syndrome (about 5% of cases): e.g. Lynch syndrome
• Having type 2diabetes (may be modifiable)

• Diarrhea or constipation      
• A feeling that yourbowel does not empty completely
• Blood (either brightred or very dark) in your stool
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Frequent gas pains orcramps, or feeling full or bloated
• Weight loss with no known reason
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea or constipation      
• A feeling that yourbowel does not empty completely
• Blood (either brightred or very dark) in your stool
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Frequent gas pains orcramps, or feeling full or bloated
• Weight loss with no known reason
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting

• Surgery is a common first step; the type varies by circumstances (e.g. stage of CRC)
• Polypectomy
• Local incision
• Colectomy
• Colostomy (often short-term)
• Ileostomy

• Recommended follow up with your doctor for testing   
• Learning to deal with side effects (e.g. diarrhea)
• Coping with changes in elimination (e.g. ileostomy)
• Maintaining an active lifestyle
• Eating healthy
• Taking supplements as recommended
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption