Colorectal Cancer Awareness
- Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable through regular screening and the removal of precancerous polyps.
Key Facts
* Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States.
* Regular screening can detect cancer early, when treatment is most effective, and can prevent cancer by identifying and removing precancerous polyps.
* Rates of colorectal cancer have been increasing among younger adults, making awareness of symptoms and family history increasingly important.
Risk Factors
* Age (risk increases after age 45)
* Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
* Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
* Inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
* Diet high in processed or red meat
* Physical inactivity
* Obesity
* Smoking
* Heavy alcohol use
* Type 2 diabetes
Common Symptoms
- Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
- Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness or fatigue
- Iron-deficiency anemia
Many people with early colorectal cancer have no symptoms, which is why screening is so important.
Screening
Average-risk adults should discuss beginning colorectal cancer screening at age 45 with their healthcare provider. Screening options include:
- Colonoscopy
- Stool DNA test
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
- High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
People with a family history or other risk factors may need to begin screening earlier or be screened more frequently.
Types of Colorectal Cancer
* Adenocarcinoma (most common)
* Gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors
* Lymphoma
* Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
* Sarcoma (rare)
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer and may include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy (more commonly for rectal cancer)
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Clinical trials
- Palliative and supportive care
Ways to Help
- Encourage routine screening.
- Learn your family’s medical history.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay physically active.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Support colorectal cancer research and advocacy organizations.
Fast Facts
- Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented through regular screening.
- Early-stage colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms.
- More than 90% of people diagnosed with localized colorectal cancer survive at least five years.
- Lifestyle changes and timely screening can significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Resources
Patient support, screening information, financial assistance, and advocacy.
Education, research funding, advocacy, and patient resources.
Colorectal Cancer – Information on prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Colorectal Cancer – Comprehensive treatment information, statistics, and clinical trials.
Colorectal Cancer – Screening recommendations, risk factors, and prevention resources.
Patient education on colorectal diseases, surgery, and recovery.
Free counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and financial assistance.
Free patient treatment guidelines.
Search for ongoing colorectal cancer clinical trials.
Prevention education, screening resources, and healthy lifestyle information.
- Related Causes
Awareness Colors
- Pearl or White Ribbon
