Employee Health Screening

What should people know about cancer of the colon and rectum?

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is one of the most common cancers among New Yorkers.

The colon and rectum are part of the body’s digestive system. The colon (large intestine) and rectum (the last 7-8 inches of the intestines) absorb water and eliminate waste products from digestion.

Nationally, excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. It is estimated that one in 18 people will develop colorectal cancer sometime during their life.

Who gets cancer of the colon and rectum?

Colorectal cancer is more common in older people. Over 75% of people newly diagnosed with cancer of the colon and rectum are age 65 and over. At all ages, men are more likely to get colorectal cancer than women.

What causes cancer of the colon and rectum?

At this time, researchers don’t know exactly what causes colorectal cancer. We do know that certain risk factors increase a person’s risk of developing this disease. These risk factors include –

o  increasing age – age is the most important risk factor for getting colorectal cancer.

o  family history – people with certain inherited diseases (familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer) are more likely to get cancer of the colon and rectum.

o  personal factors – people with a history of colon cancer, intestinal polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.

o  diet – diets high in animal fats (such as red meats) increase a person’s risk for getting cancer of the colon and rectum, while a diet high in vegetables, fruit and fiber may reduce risk.

o  being overweight, leading an inactive lifestyle, tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption also might increase risk.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting cancer of the colon and rectum?

Some cancers of the colon and rectum can be prevented by removing polyps. In addition, colorectal cancers are more treatable when found early, before the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. To elevate the chances of prevention or diagnosing colorectal cancer early, men and women at average risk over the age of 50 should be screened. Individuals  at higher risk should consult with the doctor about starting screening sooner.

Some scientific research studies show that participation in regular exercise may reduce the risk of getting cancer of the colon and rectum. Men and women who use aspirin regularly and hormone replacement therapy in women after menopause might also decrease the risk of getting colorectal cancer. Because hormone replacement therapy might increase the risk of other disease, women should discuss using hormone replacement therapy with their healthcare provider.