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Florida
Hospital Digestive Health Center and Florida Hospital Cancer
Institute
Leading the Fight Against Colorectal Cancer
Facts,
Risk Factors and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
What
is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and
women. Every year, more than 130,000 new patients are diagnosed
with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 colon-cancer-related
deaths occur. Colorectal cancer begins in either the colon
or the rectum. Both are part of the digestive tract, also
called the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. This is where food
is processed to create energy and rid the body of waste.
How
does colorectal cancer develop?
Colorectal cancer occurs when the cells that line the colon
(also called the large intestine or large bowel) or the rectum
(lower portion of the colon) become abnormal and grow out
of control. Unfortunately, many colorectal cancers are "silent"
tumors until they are advanced and produce symptoms. However,
through regular screenings, colorectal cancer is preventable,
and curable, if detected early.
What
are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
With more than 90 percent of cases diagnosed in individuals
over the age of 50, the primary risk factor for colorectal
cancer is age. A personal or family history of colorectal
cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease also increases
your risk. Other risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- 50
or older
- Personal
history of colon or pre-cancerous polyps, or colorectal,
breast or uterine cancer
- Family
history of colon or pre-cancerous polyps, or colorectal,
breast or uterine cancer
- Ulcerative
Colitis or Crohn's Disease
- Smoking
and Alcohol Consumption
- Obesity
and Physical inactivity
What
are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
In its early stages, colorectal cancer usually causes no symptoms.
For this reason, it is very important to have regular colorectal
cancer prevention examinations, or screenings. When symptoms
are present, the cancer may still be curable if not ignored.
One of the signs of colon cancer may be rectal bleeding. Often
tumors bleed only small amounts intermittently, and evidence
of the blood is found only during chemical testing of the
stool. This is called occult bleeding-it is not always visible
to the naked eye. When tumors have grown larger, other symptoms
may develop. The symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- Change
in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Blood
on or in the stool
- Unexplained
anemia
- Unusual
abdominal or gas pain
- Unexplained
weight loss
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
Rectal
bleeding should not be presumed to be hemorrhoids until other
causes are ruled out. People with unexplained rectal bleeding
should make an appointment for a colorectal cancer screening.
Call
1-866-888-0866 for more information about the nationally ranked
Florida Hospital Digestive Health Center.
1-866-888-0866
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