None — Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men and women. In 2009, the American Cancer Society estimated about 146,970 new cases would be diagnosed in the U.S. and 49,920 people would die from the cancer.
Risk for colorectal cancer increases with age. More than 90 percent of cases are diagnosed after 50. Having one first-degree relative with the cancer doubles personal risk for also being diagnosed with it. Personal history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer, chronic inflammatory bowel disease or certain other syndromes also increases risk. Research also suggests a sedentary lifestyle, diet high in red and processed meats, obesity, diabetes, smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol may also be associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer.
Surviving Colorectal Cancer
If colorectal cancer is detected early, while the disease is still localized, the chance of survival is high. At this stage, researchers estimate the odds of survival at five years are roughly 90 percent.
Scott Kopetz, M.D., Gastrointestinal Oncologist with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, says over the years, survival rates for colorectal cancer have improved, even for those with metastatic disease. Fifteen years ago, most of these patients survived less than a year after diagnosis. Now, the average person with metastatic colorectal cancer is living nearly three years.
Kopetz says the two main reasons for improved survival rates among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer are better chemotherapy drugs and improved surgical techniques. Within the past 10 years, several new drugs have been developed to fight colorectal cancer.
Researchers estimate 20 percent of patients with colorectal cancer will develop metastases that are confined to the liver. These patients can greatly benefit from surgery. Kopetz explains that doctors can safely remove as much as 70 to 80 percent of the diseased liver. Over time, the liver will regenerate and the body will eventually recover.
Kopetz estimates that with aggressive treatments, even those patients with metastatic disease can have an improved chance of survival. He says as many as 30 percent may live five or more years after diagnosis. For most of these patients, however, treatment is not a cure, but merely a control for the disease.
For general information on colorectal cancer:
American Cancer Society National Cancer Institute
WSOC
