Colorectal Cancer

Take time to learn about Colorectal Cancer and Digestive Disease.

Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.  Colorectal cancer also is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the United States.  The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age.  More than 90% of cases occur in people aged 50 or older.

Many people who are at risk for the disease are not being screened according to national guidelines.  It is estimated that as many as 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely.  Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer.  Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.  If you or a loved one are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, know your options.  There are three standard colon cancer treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy and new types of treatments being tested in clinical trials.

Approximately 70 million Americans are affected by digestive disorders, which prompt nearly 60 million visits to doctors, outpatient care facilities, and emergency departments.  Although digestive disorder can affect people of any age, many digestive disorders occur more frequently in older individuals.  In fact, nearly 40% of all older adults have one or more symptom of digestive disorders each year, largely due to changes that occur in the digestive tract with age.  Despite how common they are, people often don't discuss these disorders, especially if bowel symptoms are involved.  They often feel embarrassment and may suffer silently experiencing dialy sumptoms of pain and discomfort.  The encouraging news is that lifestyle changes can alleviate - and in many cases completely eliminate - the symptoms associated with many of these digestive disorders.

You're not alone.  Be a well-informed patient and remember colorectal cancer screening saves lives.  Read on for information on symptoms, screening, detection and treatment options with links to important resources.