Colorectal Cancer, sometimes referred to as colon rectal cancer or colon cancer, is a “silent killer.” In this article on colorectal cancer, we provide you with information about colorectal cancer to help you understand this deadly form of cancer.
Most of us probably know someone who has passed on way too early in their lives. Some may not have had a choice, while others might have been able to do something to prevent dying so young. It is especially disturbing when any person is taken by something that could have been detected early and possibly prevented altogether.
The Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Because colorectal cancer can strike without any warning signs, it is very important to get regular checkups. Without these screenings, by the time this cancer is found it may be too late. There are certain symptoms, however, which may signify that cancer is lurking inside. Please don’t get alarmed if you are suffering from any of the symptoms I am about to mention. These can be the result of other, noncancerous, medical conditions. But no matter what, it is very important to check with your health care professional, even if just for reassurance.
- Change in bowel habits. Most of us know our regular patterns, but if there is a noticeable change, perhaps more constipation, diarrhea or even leakage, it may be cause for concern.
- Blood on or in your stool. I know, not fun to have to look, but this simple check may save your life. Please know that blood may indicate cancer, but that there are also many other noncancerous reasons for it to be present. In either case, it’s best to get it checked.
- Unusual gas or abdominal pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue that isn’t like your “usual” tired feeling.
- Unexplained low blood count, or anemia.
- Unexplained vomiting.
I know it is often scary to go to the doctor, especially with these symptoms, but we need to work together to identify what is causing your change in health. Hopefully, it is something noncancerous and easy to treat. But if it is a colorectal cancer, early detection gives us a terrific chance of helping you beat it.
- Age: Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as a person gets older, but it can strike the younger set in some cases.
- Ulcerative Colitis: This condition causes the lining of the colon to become inflamed. Those who suffer from ulcerative colitis are at an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer.
- Diet: People who maintain a diet containing a lot of fats and calories seem to be at a greater risk for colorectal cancer.
- Polyps: These are noncancerous growths on the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Even though they are very common in people over age 50, certain types of polyps can develop into a dangerous cancer.
- History: Women with a history of ovarian, uterine or breast cancer have a slightly increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Also, those with a parent or sibling with colorectal cancer have a higher risk.
- Diabetes: Not a commonly advertised fact, people with diabetes have a 30 to 40 percent increased risk of developing colon cancer.
Treatments:
Stage I Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Stage I tumors have spread beyond the inner lining of the colon, to the second and third layers, and involve the inside wall of the colon. The cancer hasn’t spread to the outer wall of the colon or outside the colon.
You can expect to have surgery to remove the cancer and a small amount of tissue around the tumor. Most people don’t need additional treatments.
Stage II Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Stage II colorectal cancers are larger and go through the muscular wall of the colon. But there is no cancer in the lymph nodes (small structures that are found throughout the body that make and store cells that fight infection).
You’ll probably have surgery to remove the cancer and an area surrounding the cancer.
You may also get chemotherapy as a precaution to help prevent the cancer from coming back. Doctors usually do this only for people who are likely to get the disease, because there aren’t a lot of advantages of chemotherapy in this stage of colon cancer. An oncologist (a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment) should help decide whether chemotherapy is needed for your stage II colon cancer.
Stage III Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Stage III colorectal cancers have spread outside the colon to one or more lymph nodes.
Stage lIlA: Tumors are within the colon wall and also involve the lymph nodes.
Stage lIlB: Tumors have grown through the colon wall and have spread to one to four lymph node.
Stage lIlC: Tumors have spread to more than four lymph nodes.
Treatment involves:
- Surgery to remove the tumor and all involved lymph nodes if possible
- Chemotherapy after surgery
- Radiation if the tumor is large and invading the tissue surrounding the colon
Stage IV Colorectal Cancer Treatment:
Stage IV colorectal cancers have spread outside the colon to other parts of the body, such as the liver or the lungs. You may also hear the cancer called “metastatic,” which means that it has spread.
The tumor can be any size and may or may not include affected lymph nodes.
Surgery(colostomy): You may need an operation to remove the cancer, both in the colon and in other places where it has spread. Or you may need surgery to bypass the cancer and hook back up the healthy parts of the colon.
Chemotherapy . Along with chemotherapy, you may get:
- Bevacizumab (Avastin), cetuximab (Erbitux), or panitumumab(Vectibix). These drugs work on your immune system. Your doctor may call them “monoclonal antibodies.” Whether you get them depends on certain aspects of your tumor.
- Ziv-Aflibercept (Zaltrap), if your cancer has worsened or doesn’t respond to other treatment.
Targeted therapy: Your doctor may consider regorafenib (Stivarga) if your metastatic colorectal cancer has progressed despite other treatment.
Radiation to ease symptoms.
You may also want to consider joining a clinical trial. These are studies that test new drugs or treatments to see if they are safe and if they work. They often are a way for people to try new medicine that isn’t available to everyone. Your doctor can tell you if one of these trials might be a good fit for you.
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