March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Introduction

In 2009, an estimated 106,100 (colon) and 40,870 (rectal) people in the United States will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer. This year, there will be an estimated 49,920 deaths from colon and rectal cancer combined. Colorectal cancer — cancer of the colon or rectum — is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined. The disease surpasses both breast and prostate cancer in mortality, second only to lung cancer in numbers of cancer deaths.

In an effort to increase public awareness about colorectal cancer, the UPMC Cancer Centers joins other organizations nationwide to promote National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. UPMC developed these pages as a resource for learning more about colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer risk factors

Anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor. Though the precise cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, the following risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer:

Age – Screening for should begin at age 40. The highest incidence is between ages 65 to 74.

Personal history – A history of adenomatous polyps or inflammatory disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) increases the risk for colorectal cancer.

Genetics – Two rare inherited conditions greatly increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer: familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). If family members died before the age of 45 from either condition, yearly screening is recommended.

Nutrition – A diet rich in high-fat, low-fiber foods, as well as being overweight, contributes to the risks.

Colorectal cancer facts

• Symptoms such as having blood in or on the stool, rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, weight loss for no apparent reason, or frequent gas pains and general stomach discomfort may be warning signs.
• An estimated 100,000 lives a year could be saved through widespread adoption of colorectal cancer screening and early treatment.
• A fecal occult blood test is a simple screening procedure that should be done yearly beginning at age 50.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (a test that views the lining of the lower colon and rectum) is recommended every five years beginning at age 50.
• A colonoscopy (a test that views the lining of the entire colon and rectum) is recommended once every 10 years.

Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute

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