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Top questions about colorectal cancer


What you should know about colorectal cancer


Colorectal cancer is the term used to describe cancer of the colon and/or rectum. The two cancers are grouped together because they share many common characteristics. Together, the colon and rectum make up the large intestine, a question mark-shaped bowel four feet in length. Colon cancer develops in all but the last few inches of the large intestine, between the appendix and rectum. Rectal cancer develops in the rectum, the last few inches of the large intestine that attaches to the anus. Colon cancer is more common. An estimated 95,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year, compared to 39,000 cases of rectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer may develop when benign polyps in the large intestine grow and become cancerous. There may be no symptoms of benign polyps or colorectal cancer in its earliest stages. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include abdominal pain or cramps; constipation or diarrhea; blood in the stool; bloating or a sense of not feeling empty after a bowel movement; flattened or ribbon-shaped stool and/or pain in the rectum. Signs of advanced colorectal cancer may include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, anemia and loss of appetite.

Is it true that only older men get colorectal cancer?

Your risk of colorectal cancer does increase with age. The median age of a person diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 68. And more men do get colorectal cancer than women. But women also are at risk. In fact, the rate of new cases among men is 47 per 100,000, while the rate for women is 36 per 100,000.

Can colorectal cancer be prevented?

The risk factors for colorectal cancer may be reduced with regular checkups and lifestyle changes. The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women have a colonoscopy beginning at age 50. African Americans have a higher risk of colorectal cancer and should begin screening at the age of 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should get screened 10 years earlier than when your family member was diagnosed. For example, if your father was diagnosed with colon cancer at 48, you should talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy at 38. Talk to your doctor about how often you should get a colonoscopy. The procedure may be able to help your doctor spot cancer in its early stages. And pre-cancerous polyps may be removed and biopsies performed during the procedure, if necessary. Changes in your lifestyle may also help lower your colorectal cancer risk. Obesity, smoking, alcohol, diet and a sedentary lifestyle have been linked to increased risks for colorectal cancer.

Questions about your colorectal cancer treatment


What are my colorectal cancer treatment options?


What types of doctors will I see during my treatment?


Gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (and is most likely to perform your colonoscopy)

Radiation oncologist, a physician who uses radiation therapy to treat cancer

Medical oncologist, a doctor who treats cancer with drug therapies

Surgical oncologist, a doctor who performs surgeries to remove tumors and surrounding tissue or to take tissue samples for biopsies


Here is a quick glossary of those terms:

Colectomy: This surgery removes all or part of the colon.





Is immunotherapy an option for me?


Questions to ask your doctor


What stage of colorectal cancer do I have?

There are five stages of colorectal cancer. Stage 0, the earliest stage, is used to describe cancer that is confined to the inner lining of the large intestine. Stage IV, the most advanced stage, describes cancer that has metastasized, or spread, beyond the colon to other parts of the body.

What does it mean that my cancer has metastasized?

Colorectal cancer is among several cancers that may travel to other parts of the body—a process called metastasis. In most cases, metastatic colorectal cancer is found in the liver. But it may also spread to the lungs, bones, lymph nodes and central nervous system. Metastatic colorectal cancer presents challenges that may require aggressive surgery, chemotherapy and other treatments. You may also consider talking to your doctor about palliative care to help with symptoms and side effects. Metastatic cancer is different than recurrent cancer, which is cancer that returns to the same part of the body.

What kinds of tests will I need?


How will having colorectal cancer affect my quality of life?


Next topic: What are the facts about colorectal cancer?