RADIATION THERAPY FOR COLORECTAL CANCER
Facts to Help People Understand Treatment

About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the presence of malignant or cancerous tumors of the colon and/or the rectum.

• The colon extends from the end of the small intestine to the rectum. It consists of ascending, transverse and descending sections.
• The sigmoid colon is roughly S-shaped and is the bottom portion of the descending colon that leads into the rectum.
• The rectum is part of the body’s digestive system. It comprises the final five inches of the colon.
• Colorectal cancer can affect any of the areas described above.
  

Facts About Colorectal Cancer

• This year, nearly 148,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
• The disease affects approximately the same number of men and women.

General Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Most colorectal tumors are found in patients over age 50. However, the disease can occur at any age so it is important to know your family history and these risk factors.

• Diet contains a high amount of fat and red meat and few fruits and vegetables.
• Prior occurrence of colon cancer.
• History of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease.

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

The American Cancer Society recommends that as of age 50, both men and women be screened for colorectal cancer according to one of the following schedules:

• Yearly fecal occult blood test.
• Sigmoidoscopy every five years.
• Double-contrast barium enema every five years.
• Colonoscopy every 10 years.

People with any of the colorectal cancer risk factors should consult with their doctor about earlier, more frequent screening.

Page 1 | Next >