General Colorectal Cancer Questions

Q: What is colorectal cancer?

A: Colorectal cancer is an uncontrolled growth of malignant (destructive) cells in the colon (large intestine) or the rectum. If left untreated, this tumor usually penetrates surrounding tissue and/or spreads to other parts of the body.

Q: What causes the disease?

A: Its exact cause is unknown, but it appears to be caused by both inherited and environmental factors. Some data suggest that diets high in fat (red meat, fried foods, high-fat dairy products) increase the chances of developing the disease, while diets high in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) appear to reduce the risk. Genetic factors may determine a person’s susceptibility to colorectal cancer, whereas dietary and other environmental factors may determine which at-risk individuals actually go on to develop the disease.

Q: Who is considered particularly at risk for the disease?

A: The are two basic levels of at-risk populations: average-risk and high-risk. Generally, anyone over the age of 50 is considered at average risk. High-risk groups include those with either a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and those with an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

Q: What tests are available for detecting colorectal cancer?

A: Other than an occult (hidden) blood detection test, like the Hemoccult II®, there are three other tests that are frequently used and recommended. The first is a digital rectal exam in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for abnormal areas. The second is called a flexible sigmoidoscopy which examines the inner lining of the rectum and last two feet of the colon. For this non- painful method, a thin, flexible tube with a light on the end is used to identify polyps or cancer. A barium x-ray is another screening method. A patient is given a barium enema, then air is introduced into the colon and x-rays are taken to identify any irregularities.

Q: What are polyps? Should they be removed?

A: A polyp is a non-cancerous tumor made up of tissue that has simply overgrown.

Polyps are believed to be precancerous conditions and are usually removed. Specific questions should be discussed with your physician.

Q: How common is colorectal cancer?

A: In terms of incidence (i.e. the number of new cases of cancer) over the total population at risk), colorectal cancer is ranked second to lung cancer. In 1996, The American Cancer Society estimated that more than 140,000 new cases develop each year.

Q: Is colorectal cancer more common in men?

A: No, it equally affects men and women of all races and nationalities.

Q: If I get colorectal cancer, what are my chances of survival?

A: When colorectal cancer is detected early, more than 91 percent of the patients survive five or more years.

Q: Does a positive Hemoccult IIâ test mean I have cancer?

A: No. A positive result most often indicates a benign condition, not cancer. It could result from a variety of causes, but a follow up visit to a physician is an absolute must.

Q: Does a negative Hemoccult IIâ test mean that I do not have cancer?

A: Not necessarily. The Hemoccult IIâ test only detects hidden blood in the stool. For a more thorough test, please consult your personal physician.

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