Colorectal Cancer 

Over 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. This cancer most often affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. Colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is cancer that develops in the tissues of the colon or rectum. Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancer that affects either of these parts may also be called colorectal cancer.

Screening for Colorectal cancer

Because colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms at first, it's important to have screening tests for colorectal cancer. Most people should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 45, then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested earlier than 45, or more often than other people, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.

The following types of tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer:

• Fecal occult blood test

• Sigmoidoscopy

• Colonoscopy

• Virtual colonoscopy

• DNA stool test

Symptoms of Colorectal cancer

• A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation.

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.

• Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain.

• A feeling that the bowel doesn't empty all the way during a bowel movement.

• Weakness or tiredness.

• Unintentional weight loss

Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer

Seven types of standard treatment are used:

• Surgery

• Radio-frequency ablation

• Cryosurgery

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy

• Targeted therapy

• Immunotherapy