Mary Bird Perkins offers the most advanced radiation therapy available in the world with the medical and technical experts to use it successfully. We treat approximately 75 colorectal cancer patients every year with radiation therapy.
Colorectal cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissues of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of the digestive system and the rectum. The cancer begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clusters of cells called polyps. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous. The symptoms of colorectal cancer include unexplained changes in bowel habits, chronic diarrhea or constipation, persistent abdominal pain, unexpected or sudden weight loss and/or chronic fatigue.
Although colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States; when colorectal cancers are detected at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent.*
Colon cancer is diagnosed with tests that examine the rectum, rectal tissue and blood. You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy body weight. Those with a diet high in fat, smoke and/or drink are at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. For a personalized cancer risk assessment, visit MyCancerRisk.com.
Screening for colon cancer should begin for men and women at age 50, or earlier if there is a family history of the disease. Screening should begin with one of the following examinations: a fecal blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year, a flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG) every five years, annual FOBT or FIT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, a double-contract barium enema every five years and a colonoscopy every ten years. Early detection provides patients with more effective treatment options to fighting colon cancer. For more information about detecting colon cancer, download a free informative newsletter.
Related Links:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
* American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2006, Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2006.