Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer refers to a cancer that forms in either the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women, and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men and women in the United States according to the National Cancer Institute.
What’s the difference between colon, rectal and colorectal cancer?
The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system. Cancer that begins in the colon or rectum may be called colon cancer, rectal cancer, or colorectal cancer. (The term colon cancer is used most often.)
Colon cancer by the numbers
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reports:
- About 143,000 new cases of colorectal cancer were reported in 2010
- Nearly 52,000 people died of the disease
- 1 in 20 people are estimated to develop the disease in their lifetime
The good news: Death rates are on a steady decline, due to increased interest in colorectal cancer screening. Treatments have also improved, allowing for more than 1 million colorectal cancer survivors in the United States. The earlier cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated, the greater chance for survival.
Who gets colon cancer—and why?
Gender: Men and women are equally affected
Age: More than 90% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people over 50.
Other factors: Heredity, smoking, high-fat diets, obesity, physical inactivity and high alcohol intake
Why come to Roswell Park?
Roswell Park employs a dedicated team of clinicians and staff, devoted to providing the highest quality standards in treatment and care. Patients that come here can take advantage of:
- A multi-discipline team of doctors and nurses
- Newest therapies and technologies
- A specific clinic for high-risk patients
- The most advanced outcomes-based treatments
