Of all the skin cancers, colorectal is among the most prominent cancer affecting men and women in the US. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2023, America recorded 106,970 new colon cancer cases and 46,050 rectal cancer cases. Astoria colon and rectal cancer develop when abnormal cells in the lining of these organs start to grow uncontrollably. As they grow, they can form clusters of cancer cells called tumors. These tumors can invade nearby tissues or spread to other body parts.
Below are the risk factors for colon and rectal cancer;
Colon cancer
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. It occurs when abnormal cells in the colon grow and divide without control or order. These cells can form a tumor that invades nearby tissue and spreads to other body parts if not treated.
Family history
If someone in your family has had colorectal cancer, you may have an increased risk. A genetic disorder called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can increase your risk of developing colon cancer at a young age. FAP includes hundreds of large growths called adenomas that develop from cells lining the intestines. If you have FAP, your doctor should perform regular screening tests at an early age to look for these growths.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of colorectal cancer by about 20%. It also increases the risk of rectal cancer by about 40%. Reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by quitting smoking. If you are trying to quit, talk with your doctor about available medications and other options to help you succeed.
What is the best treatment for colon or rectal cancer?
The best treatment for colon or rectal cancer depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and your overall health. The main options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used to treat advanced colorectal cancer. It may be given before surgery with curative intent (adjuvant chemotherapy) or after surgery as palliative treatment for an advanced disease that has spread beyond the colon. Adjuvant chemotherapy may improve survival in patients with stage II or III colon cancer who have not received previous chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy beams to treat cancer. Radiation is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can also treat side effects caused by other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy can be external or internal. External radiation uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to kill cancer cells. Internal radiation uses radioactive substances placed directly into the body near a tumor site.
Surgery
Surgery may be used for curative treatment (removal of all visible tumor tissue) or palliative treatment (removal of part of a tumor). Surgery may also remove diseased lymph nodes that could spread disease throughout the body.
If you are seeking treatment for colon and rectal cancer, or want a diagnosis performed, contact Surgical Specialists of Greater NY.
