What causes colorectal cancer?
Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal CancerThe exact cause of most colorectal cancers is not yet known. About 75% of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. There are some known factors that may increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer, which include: Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). (Just 5% of colorectal cancers are linked to these genetic syndromes.)
Related QuestionsQuality Health | Colorectal CancerThe exact cause is unknown, but most cases begin as polyps , which are small growths inside the colon or rectum. Colon polyps are very common, and most of them do not turn into cancer. Most polyps are easily found with fairly simple screening tests. Screening tests are tests that look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear. In the case of colon cancer, screening tests can find evidence of polyps in the intestine.Related Questions
Colorectal CancerMost cases begin as polyps , which are small growths inside the colon or rectum. Colon polyps are very common, and most of them do not turn into cancer. But doctors cannot tell ahead of time which polyps will turn into cancer. This is why people older than 50 need regular tests to find out if they have any polyps and then have them removed.Related Questions
What is colorectal cancer?
WHI Participant websiteAnswer: Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide without control and can spread to other parts of the body. The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine (large bowel). Colon and rectum cancers which are sometimes referred to together as "colorectal cancer" arise from the lining of the large intestine. When cancer arises from the lining of an organ like the large intestine it is called a carcinoma.
Related QuestionsCancer - Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal CancerCancer is a group of diseases in which there is abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. If left untreated, malignant (or cancerous) cells can spread to other parts of the body. "Colorectal" refers to the colon and rectum, which together make up the large intestine. Colorectal cancer can begin anywhere in the large intestine. The majority of colorectal cancers begin as polyps—abnormal growths—inside the colon or rectum that may become cancers over a long period of time.Related Questions
What causes metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer?
Colorectal Cancer, Metastatic or RecurrentThe exact cause is not known, but the cancer is more likely to come back or spread if it is in a later, more advanced stage when it is first discovered.
Related QuestionsColorectal Cancer, Metastatic or Recurrent, SVCMC; New York ...The exact cause is not known, but colorectal cancer is more likely to spread or come back if it is in a later, more advanced stage when it is first discovered.Related Questions
What is Colorectal Cancer? What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
Colon Cancer Home Fecal Blood Test KitAlmost all cases of colorectal cancer, also referred to as colon cancer, begin with the development of benign colonic polyps. Polyps form when cells lining the colon grow, divide and reproduce in an unhealthy, disorderly way, producing a growth. These polyps can be cancerous, invading the colon wall and surrounding blood vessels, and spreading to other parts of the body. Colorectal cancer frequently begins without symptoms.
Related QuestionsWhat is invasive colorectal cancer?
WHI Participant websiteAnswer: Invasive colorectal cancer involves abnormal cells from the colon or rectum which can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body.
Related QuestionsWhat tests can detect colorectal cancer?
WHI Participant websiteAnswer: Fecal occult blood test: (FOBT) is used to find occult “hidden” blood in the stool if FOBT detects blood in the stool additional testing is needed to determine the cause of the bleeding. Certain foods and drugs can also influence test FOBT test results. For this test a kit with instructions is usually given that explains how to take the stool samples at home (usually 3 specimens). The kit is then returned to the doctor's office or medical laboratory for testing.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
WHI Participant websiteAnswer: Symptoms that could be associated with colorectal cancer include a change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days; cramping or steady abdominal (stomach area) pain; weakness and fatigue; rectal bleeding or blood in or on the stool; or a feeling of having to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so. Since other conditions can cause these symptoms, a medical work up is needed.
Related QuestionsWhich test should I have to screen for colorectal cancer?
Colon PolypsColon polyps usually do not cause symptoms unless they are larger than 1 cm (0.4 in.) or they are cancerous. The most common symptom is rectal bleeding. Sometimes the bleeding may not be obvious (occult) and may only be discovered after doing a screening test for blood in the stool called a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Colon polyps usually do not cause pain or a change in bowel habits unless they are large and are blocking part of the colon.
Related QuestionsColonoscopyColorectal cancer (CRC) is cancer of the colon and rectum in which abnormal cell growth occurs in the large intestine and a tumor is formed. A tumor may be benign or malignant. In a benign tumor, the cells grow and remain at their original site. In a malignant tumor, the abnormal cells grow and invade the adjacent intestine and spread to other sites.Related Questions
Who is at risk of developing colorectal cancer?
Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal CancerColorectal cancer occurs in men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. Approximately 75% of colorectal cancers occur in people with no known risk factors. Other important facts about risk for colorectal cancer include: More than 90% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people aged 50 or older. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. A family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps may increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Related QuestionsIs there anything I can do to reduce my risk for colorectal cancer?
Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal CancerThere is strong scientific evidence that having regular screening tests for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50 reduces deaths from colorectal cancer. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon and rectum, and polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. Studies have also shown that increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk for colorectal cancer.
Related QuestionsWhat is colorectal cancer screening?
Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal CancerScreening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms. Cancer screening tests, including those for colorectal cancer, are effective when they can detect disease early. Detecting disease early can lead to more effective treatment. In some cases, screening tests can detect abnormalities such as polyps before they have a chance to turn into cancer. So removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer from developing.
Related QuestionsWhat are the screening tests for colorectal cancer?
Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal CancerSeveral tests are available to screen for colorectal cancer. Some are used alone; others are used in combination with each other. Talk with your doctor about which test or tests are best for you. Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)— This test checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. At home, you place a small amount of your stool from three consecutive bowel movements on test cards. You return the cards to your doctor's office or a lab where they're checked for blood.
Related QuestionsWho should be tested for colorectal cancer?
Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal CancerAll men and women aged 50 years and older should be tested for colorectal cancer routinely. Others who are at increased risk should speak to their doctors about earlier or more frequent testing. Those at increased risk are people with: Certain diseases of the intestines, including inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease); or Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC).
Related QuestionsWhy should I get screened for colorectal cancer?
Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions about Colorectal CancerScreening saves lives. Colorectal cancers almost always develop from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best and the chance for a full recovery is very high.
Related QuestionsHow common is colorectal cancer?
FAQ'sCOLORECTAL CANCER is the second most common cause of cancer deaths and third most common cancer overall, representing 11 % of all newly diagnosed cancer cases. There are over 130,000 new cases of COLORECTAL CANCER each year and over 56,000 people die from this disease each year.
Related QuestionsIs there anything I can do to prevent colorectal cancer?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)You can help prevent colorectal cancer by getting tested. Early detection is the best weapon in preventing and fighting kind of cancer. Colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp, a small growth on the lining of the colon and/or rectum. Finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous can stop colorectal cancer before it begins.
Related QuestionsWhat is the statistical incidence of colorectal cancer?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of non-skin cancer in men (after prostate cancer and lung cancer) and in women (after breast cancer and lung cancer). It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States after lung cancer. The rate of new cases and deaths resulting from this disease is decreasing. Still, over 147,000 new cases are diagnosed, and more than 57,000 people die from colorectal cancer each year.
Related QuestionsColorectal Cancer: June 2007There is no single cause of colorectal cancer, but some factors appear to increase the risk of developing it, including: Family history of colorectal cancer, benign colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), or breast, ovarian or endometrial cancerRelated Questions
