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Cancer of the colon or rectum is often called colorectal cancer. The colon and
the rectum are part of the large intestine, which is part of the digestive
system.
Tumors found in the colon or rectum may be benign (noncancerous) growths of tissue (polyps) or malignant cancerous growths of tissue that may spread to
other parts of the body.
Significance of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United
States. The number of new cases of colorectal cancer in the United States has
been decreasing slightly, and the number of deaths due to colorectal cancer has
been decreasing. The risk of colorectal cancer tends to increase after the age
of 40.
Colorectal cancer prevention
Colorectal cancer can sometimes be associated with known risk factors for the
disease. Many risk factors can be changed, but not all can be avoided.
Diet and Lifestyle:
Diet and lifestyle may affect colorectal cancer risk. Many factors are under study.
Some studies suggest that the following may protect against colorectal cancer, but other studies have shown no preventive effect:
Studies show colorectal cancer risk may be affected by the following factors:
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Folic acid: High doses of folic acid may help decrease colorectal cancer risk. -
Physical activity: A lack of physical activity, especially combined with a diet high in fat, may increase colorectal cancer risk.
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Obesity: In premenopausal women, obesity has been linked to an increased colorectal cancer risk.
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Smoking: Cigarette smoking has been
linked to increased colorectal cancer risk. -
Alcohol: Drinking alcohol may increase colorectal cancer risk.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:
Some studies have shown that the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) may be associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. Use of NSAIDs, however, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke and of bleeding in the stomach and intestines.
Polyp Removal:
Studies have shown that removing polyps, which may develop into cancer, decreases the risk of colorectal cancer. Bleeding and infection sometimes occur after polyps are removed during colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Rarely, the procedure tears the colon.
Female Hormone Use:
It is not known if postmenopausal hormone use affects the risk of colorectal cancer. Some studies suggest it may decrease the risk of colon cancer but not rectal cancer. Hormone use, however, may increase the risk of endometrial cancer, breast cancer, blood clots, and heart disease.
Statin Use: There is no evidence that statin use affects the risk of colorectal cancer.
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