Abdominal & Urinary Conditions

Colon & Rectal Cancers

The colon and rectum form the large bowel. The colon is the upper 5 to 6 feet. The rectum is the last 6 to 8 inches. When abnormal cells grow in the colon, a cancerous tumor may form. Colon tumors grow slowly. They may get big and block the bowel.

Illustration of colon and rectum.

Signs & Symptoms

Colon and rectal cancers can occur without clear symptoms. For this reason, screening is important. When symptoms occur, they include:

•  A change in bowel habits for 2 or more weeks or constipation or diarrhea for 1 or more weeks.

•  Frequent gas pains, cramps, bloating, or feelings of fullness in the abdomen

•  Red or dark blood in or on the stool or rectal bleeding. Pencil thin stools.

•  Fatigue and/or iron deficiency anemia in men and older women

•  A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely

•  Weight loss for no known reason

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

Risk factors for colon and rectal cancers:

•  Polyps (benign growths that can become cancerous over time). Most colon and rectal cancers develop from polyps.

•  Family history of colon or rectal cancer. Unless it is treated, an inherited condition called Familial Polyposis puts a person at a very high risk.

•  Having ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

•  Aging. Colon and rectal cancers occur most often in people over age 50.

•  Smoking. Heavy alcohol use.

•  Eating a diet high in animal fat and low in fiber

•  Lack of exercise and/or being very overweight

Finding and treating the cancer early is vital. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Self-Care / Prevention

Self-Care:

•  Schedule and go to follow-up exams.

•  Join a cancer support group.

•  Follow a high fiber, low-fat diet. Eat whole-grain breads and cereals. Have at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits a day.

Prevention

Colon and rectal cancers are completely curable if found early. Have screening tests as advised by your doctor.

•  High-sensitivity fecal occult blood test

•  Flexible sigmoidoscopy

•  Colonoscopy

How often testing needs to be done depends on the test(s) given. {Note: If you have a family history of colon polyps or colon or rectal cancers, screening tests may need to be started sooner than age 50.}

•  Have colon polyps removed.

•  Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fat.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

•  You have any symptoms of colon and rectal cancer listed on this page.

•  You need to schedule screening tests for colon and rectal cancer. Follow the schedule your doctor advises.

Resources

The National Cancer Institute

800.4.CANCER (422-6237)

www.cancer.gov

 

The American Cancer Society

800.227.2345

www.cancer.org

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