Colorectal Cancer

The Colon And Rectum

The colon and rectum are the lower parts of the lower intestine.

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine, the colon or rectum.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, yet it is highly preventable and curable with appropriate screening and early detection.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers there are.

Whilst most colorectal cancers develop from polyps, they are also known to be heredity and associated with long standing ulcerative colitis. Since the transition from polyp to cancer takes several years, removing colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.

Colon polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms, hence regular examination is important, using barium enema and colonoscopy. And suspicious findings are confirmed with biopsy. Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer.

Video - Lung Cancer Bronchoscopy

Warning - this video is very graphic [5:09]

Colorectal exams should start from age 50, or earlier if there is history of colorectal cancer in the family. Additional risk factors include lifestyle choices - diet, alcohol, tobacco smoking, high-fat low fiber diet.

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