Preventing And Treating Colorectal Cancer

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Preventing and Treating Colorectal Cancer

The prospects for preventing, treating, and curing colorectal cancer have never been better. Colorectal cancer deaths have declined by more than 20% since the mid-1980s, and fewer people are getting the disease. These are encouraging signs that advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment are helping to conquer this form of cancer.

But there's much more work to be done. Despite the overall decrease in the number of Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer, that number could — and should — be even smaller. One barrier is the common misconception that colorectal cancer is a man's disease. But it affects men and women in nearly equal numbers. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women (after breast and lung cancers) and the third most common in men as well (after lung and prostate cancers). After lung cancer, it's the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States.

Another barrier is apprehension about screening tests to detect early signs. Unlike some other forms of cancer, colorectal cancer has early signs that are easily detectable, and when found in its earliest stage, it is highly curable — the cure rate is better than 90%. More people are getting screened, but only 50% of people who should get screened do. This is especially worrisome today, because there are more Americans over age 50 (the age when you should first be screened) than ever before. Those who forgo screening tests miss the chance not only to catch the disease early, but also to prevent it from developing in the first place. That's because it is often possible to remove precancerous polyps and other lesions during a colonoscopy — without surgery — before they have the chance to become cancerous.

Certain habits such as heavy consumption of alcohol or red meat, lack of exercise, and smoking can raise your risk of developing the disease. It's estimated that half or more of all colorectal cancers could be prevented through routine screening and lifestyle changes.

With current innovations in treatment and screening, the likelihood of beating this disease is bound to get even better. This report provides information to help you lower your risk of colorectal cancer or to increase your chances of living a long, healthy life if you already have been diagnosed.

Last updated:	April 09, 2009