Colorectal Cancer

  The colon and the rectum are parts of the digestive system. They form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (large bowel). The colon is the first 4 to 5 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last several inches. Partly digested food enters the colon from the small intestine. The colon removes water and nutrients from the food and turns the rest into waste (stool). The waste passes from the colon into the rectum and then out of the body through the anus.

Cancer of the colon or rectum is called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 6% for both men and women.

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 112,340 new cases of colon cancer (55,290 men and 57,050 women) and 41,420 new cases of rectal cancer (23,840 men and 17,580 women) will be diagnosed in 2007.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is expected to cause about 52,180 deaths (26,000 men and 26,180 women) during 2007.

Approximately two-thirds of patients with colorectal cancer will present with potentially curable disease (either with surgery alone or in combination with other strategies such as chemotherapy and radiation). Of these, 30-40% will relapse with metastatic disease.

The number of deaths from colorectal cancer has been dropping for the past 15 years. There are a number of likely reasons for this. One probable reason is that polyps are being found by screening and removed before they can develop into cancers. Screening is also allowing more colorectal cancers to be found earlier when the disease is easier to cure. In addition, treatment for colorectal cancer has improved over the last 10 years, allowing for more effective options for people with this diagnosis. Because of this, there are around 1 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States. The majority of deaths (75%) from colorectal cancer occur in persons older that 65 years of age.

Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

• Hematochezia (bloody stools)
• Melena (black, tarry stools)
• Weight loss
• Change in bowel habits (persistent constipation or diarrhea, or change in stool size)
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Discomfort in the abdomen or rectum

Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the location and stage of disease at the time of diagnosis and the patients overall condition and co-existing medical conditions. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted (biological) therapy, radiation therapy or a combination of these treatments.

The 5-year relative survival rate for persons whose colorectal cancer is treated in an early stage is greater than 90%. Unfortunately, only 39% of colorectal cancers are found at an early stage. Once the cancer has spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate goes down, and if cancer has spread to distant organs (i.e., the liver or lung) the 5-year survival is less than 10%.

Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Colorectal Cancer, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the risk factors of Colorectal Cancer?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Colorectal Cancer research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. Your health matters. Don't leave it to chance. Arm yourself with the most comprehensive, up-to-date research available by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook today. Click here to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Colorectal Cancer.