Colorectal Cancer - Prevention and Treatment Options

If you or someone you care about is concerned about colorectal cancer, you’ll want to read this article. Below, we give all you need to know to help with the prevention and treatment of this disease that affects around 160,000 Americans annually.

Colorectal Cancer Prevention Options

Colorectal cancer is often seen in patients who have a history of colorectal cancer in their families. Thus, the key to prevention for them is early and regular screening. Starting at the age of 50, both males and females with a history of the disease in their families should begin getting checked for possible colorectal cancer.

A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease can also increase the risk factors for being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Consequently, if you or someone you care about has dealt with chronic inflammatory bowel disease in the past, it’s imperative to get colorectal cancer screenings on a regular basis, even if you’re not yet “middle age.”

Finally, obesity and poor diet may also lead to colorectal cancer. Many patients who are diagnosed with the disease (and have no genetic predilection toward it) seem to be overweight and choosing inappropriate food. This lack of nutrition and exercise could be an aggravator of colorectal cancer; thus, joining a gym and eating foods low in fat an high in fiber and vitamins might save your life.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options

Should you or someone you love be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, take heart. In its earliest stages, it’s highly treatable and the recovery rate hovers around 64% for a five-year survival rate.

Surgery is usually attempted in most colorectal cancer patients, and chemotherapy may be used afterwards. However, this is not always necessary, especially when polyps are removed and no other cancers have been detected in the area surrounding the colorectal cancer affected region. Radiation may also be indicated depending upon the stage of colorectal cancer, followed by medication and drug therapies.