Information From Your Health Care Provider

COLON CANCER

(Colorectal Cancer; Large Intestine Cancer)

Basic information

description

Colon cancer is cancer that grows in the colon or the rectum. It is also called colorectal cancer. The colon (large intestine) is about 5 feet long and the rectum is the last 6 inches of the colon. They are part of the body's digestive system. This type of cancer usually affects adults over age 50.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

No symptoms in the early stages (frequently).
Bloody or black, tarry stools or rectal bleeding.
Cramping stomach pain and feeling of fullness.
Change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrow stools.
Unexplained weight loss.
Anemia (pale skin and fatigue).
Loss of bowel control (sometimes).
Pain in the rectum (sometimes).

causes

Exact cause is unknown. Genetic and environmental factors may contribute. There are known risk factors.

risk increases with

Family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps.
Inherited genetic abnormality.
Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis).
Intestinal polyps (benign growths).
Having other cancer or previous colorectal cancer.
Blacks and Ashkenazi Jews have higher risks.
Diabetes.
Diet high in fat and meat (both red and white).
Age over 50, obesity, sedentary (not physically active) lifestyle, smoking, and/or alcohol use.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

To reduce risk: exercise daily; eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet (with plenty of fruits and vegetables); control weight; don't smoke; and limit alcohol.
Colon cancer screening tests for adults over age 50 and adults over age 40 (or younger) with risk factors.
Genetic tests for family members at risk.
Precancerous conditions should be treated.
Vitamins, calcium, folic acid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or female hormones may be recommended for some patients as preventive therapies.

expected outcomes

Outlook varies. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chances for recovery.
After treatment, regular follow-up medical exams are important to check for recurrence or new cancers.

possible complications

Complications may occur due to treatments.
Cancer recurs or spreads in the body (can be fatal).

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. A number of medical tests will be done. The tests help diagnose the cancer and then determine if it has spread (staging).
Treatment depends on location and size of tumor, any spread of the cancer, your health, age, and preferences.
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and targeted/biologic therapy.
Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs while radiotherapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells. Targeted/biologic therapy uses drugs to attack specific cancer cells.
The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Part, or all, of the colon, rectum, and nearby organs may be removed. A colostomy to collect stool or an urostomy to collect urine may be needed to help the body get rid of these wastes.
Treatment may involve steps to relieve symptoms and make you comfortable, rather than treating the cancer.
Counseling may help you cope with having cancer.
To learn more: American Cancer Society; (800) ACS-2345; website: www.cancer.org or National Cancer Institute;, (800) 4-CANCER; website: www.cancer.gov.

medications

Your health care provider may prescribe anticancer drugs (chemotherapy), targeted/biologic therapies, and pain relievers.

activity

You will be advised when to resume normal activities, including driving and sexual relations. After treatment, a follow-up exercise program may be recommended.

diet

Eat small, healthy meals until digestive system returns to normal. Drink plenty of fluids each day. A dietitian can help with meal planning.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of cancer of the colon or rectum.
New symptoms occur during or after treatment.