What causes colon or rectal cancer?
USC Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DisordersColorectal cancer is caused by genetic changes that occur in the cells lining the large intestine. These changes occur slowly over time, and usually form a polyp before a frank cancer develops. While we cannot yet change genes to prevent colon cancer, screening for colorectal cancer can detect earlier cancers or allow your doctor to remove polyps, so that they cannot become cancers.
Related QuestionsWhat Causes Colon Cancer?
GENERATIONS :We don't know for certain what causes colon cancer. Majority (80%) of colon cancers are related to environmental causes particularly our diet. Some food may help protect us from colon cancer, while others may help it develop. There is growing evidence that a high fat and low fibre diet is related to colon cancer. On the other hand, eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and produce high in fibre (such as cereals, brown rice/bread) may help prevent colon cancer.
Related QuestionsDo You Have Colon Cancer?
Do You Have Colon Cancer?Recent Articles Submit Articles Top Authors Top Articles Editorial Guidelines Contact Us Article Writing Blog RSS Builder FAQ RSS
Related QuestionsVirtual Colonoscopy Center at Brooke Army Medical CenterColon cancer, also referred to as colorectal cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer related death in the United States. Colon cancer affects 6% of the population in the United States and the American Cancer Society reports 57,000 colon cancer related deaths per year. Both men and women are at risk. Colon cancer is the most preventable cancer because it ordinarily develops from pre-cancerous polyps in the colon which can be easily screened.Related Questions
Colon Cancer - FAQ's - Colorectal Cancer FAQ'sCancer cells reproduce but they don't die. They're sort of like evil immortals. The body just can't kill them no matter how hard it tries. When these immortals set up shop in the colon, it's referred to as colon cancer.Related Questions
What causes cancer?
Tennessee Department of Health: Tennessee Cancer RegistryCancer is caused by external factors such as exposure to chemicals and viruses. It is also caused by internal factors such as hormones and inherited cancer genes. These factors may work together or in sequence to start or promote a cancer. Ten years to a lifetime may pass between exposure to these factors and detectable cancer.
Related QuestionsFAQ's ABOUT CANCER - DCHRCA number of agents have been implicated in causing cancer. A large proportion of cancers are caused by living habits and environmental carcinogens: Tobacco: causes cancer of the mouth, throat (pharynx), voicebox (larynx), food pipe (esophagus), lung, pancreas, kidney, urinary bladder, and uterine cervix. At least 90% of lung cancer deaths are due to smoking.Related Questions
QuestionsIt is rarely possible to find the cause of a cancer in an individual, but studies on groups of people with cancer have shown specific risk factors to be associated with specific cancers. This suggests that different types of cancer probably have different causes. These studies also indicate that cancer formation is a multi-step process, and that for most cancers the time from a cancer-causing exposure to a clinically diagnosable cancer averages about 20 years.Related Questions
Besides colon polyps, is there anything else that might increase my risk of colon cancer?
Weiss Memorial Hospital - Colon Cancer FAQYou should begin screening earlier if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer (which can involve the colon, the rectum, or both), polyps, rectal bleeding or long-standing inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis.
Related QuestionsColon Cancer: What is a Colonoscopy?
Do You Have Colon Cancer?Everything you need to know about having a colonoscopy. this article will discuss what a colonoscopy is, including the standard colonoscopy and the virtual colonoscopy. New screenings that detect polyps that can be removed before they turn into colon cancer may be one reason that the death rate from colon cancer has declined in recent years. But fewer cases have been diagnosed as well. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
Related QuestionsWhat is The Colon Cancer Prevention Network?
The Colon Cancer Prevention NetworkThe Colon Cancer Prevention Network is a group of 12 CCPN centers with convenient online and over-the-phone scheduling and more than 115 independent outpatient surgery centers which collectively perform almost half a million colonoscopies per year. Each center is staffed by expert local gastroenterologists and nurses who are trained to deliver personalized, high quality digestive health care. All are affiliated with AmSurg Corp.
Related QuestionsWhat are the Colon Cancer Risk Factors?
Weiss Memorial Hospital - Colon Cancer FAQSummary of Recommendations for Screening and Surveillance Colonoscopy in Individuals at Increased Risk for Colorectal Cancer
Related QuestionsWhat are some signs of colon cancer?
Colon Cancer - FAQ's - Colorectal Cancer FAQ'sPeople often ask if there are any signs of colon cancer they can look out for so they'll know if they need to get screened. It's best to get regular screenings rather than rely on signs of colon cancer. This is because a tumor can grow for years before you see any signs of colon cancer. But, knowing what to look out for can't hurt.
Related QuestionsWhich cancer is more difficult to cure, colon or rectal cancer?
USC Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor DisordersCure of cancer depends upon stage at presentation as well as surgical technique and response to adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy and/or radiation) as indicated. Your surgeons are trained in specialized techniques to provide the best chance of cancer cure and work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to tailor therapy to the individual patient based upon cancer staging and tumor characteristics.
Related QuestionsShould I be worried about colon cancer if I have ulcerative colitis?
Frequently Asked QuestionsStatistical evidence does show that people with ulcerative colitis do have a slightly higher incidence of colon cancer than the general population. For this reason, doctors begin regularly screening those with colitis eight years after diagnosis. Those with pancolitis (ulcerative colitis affecting the entire colon) have the highest incidence of colon cancer. In the last quarter century, it has become clear that ulcerative colitis affects large numbers of children and young teens.
Related Questionsd: Will IBS lead to colon or rectal cancer?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome : Frequently Asked Questions - Heal...No. IBS has not been linked to any type of cancer. In fact, those with IBS are more likely to be better aware of bowel health and cancer prevention. No. IBS symptoms are often present in patients with IBD, however, there is no evidence to suggest that IBS leads to IBD.
Related QuestionsWhat are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?
GENERATIONS :Unexplained changes in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks, such as constipation or diarrhoea or both On the other hand, in many cases these symptoms do not mean cancer, but tests may be needed to make sure. The older you are, the more likely that the symptoms could mean cancer.
Related QuestionsShould I be worried about colon cancer if I have Crohn's disease?
Frequently Asked QuestionsStatistical evidence does show that people with Crohn's disease have a slightly higher incidence of colon cancer than the general population does. For this reason, doctors begin regularly screening those with Crohn's disease about 12 years after diagnosis if the disease is confined to the small intestine, and eight years after diagnosis if there is disease in the colon.
Related QuestionsShould I get screened for colon cancer?
Affiliates in Gastroenterology - HomeIf you are over age 50, have a family history of polyps or colon cancer or have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, you should be screened.
Related QuestionsCan inflammatory bowel disease cause colon cancer?
Colon Cancer - FAQ's - Colorectal Cancer FAQ'sCan inflammatory bowel disease cause colon cancer? The short answer is yes. People who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for colon cancer because the tissue of the colon is inflamed for a long period of time. Most colon cancer occurs in people with no family history of the disease. But, colon cancer can run in the family. Whether you're at increased risk depends on which family member was diagnosed and at what age.
Related QuestionsDo polyps increase colon cancer risk?
Colon Cancer - FAQ's - Colorectal Cancer FAQ'sThe short answer is yes. Your risk of developing colon cancer increases when you have polyps and even if your parent, sibling, or child has polyps.
Related QuestionsHow do genes influence colon cancer risk?
Colon Cancer - FAQ's - Colorectal Cancer FAQ'sFor most people, the impact of genes is minimal. About 75% of colon cancer occurs in people with no (or very little) family history of the disease. However, the other 25% of cases are attributed to two types of colon cancers: familial and hereditary.
Related QuestionsHow does smoking increase colon cancer risk?
Colon Cancer - FAQ's - Colorectal Cancer FAQ'sHow does smoking increase colon cancer risk? Two main ways. The gist is that tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon and tobacco use increases the size of polyps. If you're unfamiliar with colorectal cancer, this is a great place to start. As you read the answers to common questions, you'll have an opportunity to explore specific topics in more detail.
Related QuestionsWhat effect does diabetes have on colon cancer?
Colon Cancer - FAQ's - Colorectal Cancer FAQ'sPeople with diabetes have a greater chance of developing colon cancer. They also tend to have lower survival rates and higher recurrence rates.
Related QuestionsWhat causes breast cancer?
Breast Cancer FAQNo one yet knows what causes breast cancer, but medical research has generated a lot of knowledge about the disease. Researchers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center have made some important discoveries in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer, ranging from understanding more about the genetic aspects of cancer to developing a vaccine that may treat and prevent breast cancer. Read more about breakthroughs at The James.
Related QuestionsContact PageThere are many causes of cancer, and for some cancers there may be no known cause. Activities such as tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing cancers. Tobacco use is linked with increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, lungs, bladder, kidneys as well as other sites. Not everyone who smokes will develop a cancer, and not everyone who does not smoke or drink alcohol will be spared from developing a cancer.Related Questions
