Ulcerative Colitis and Colorectal Cancer Risk

Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that affects the colon and rectum. The National Cancer Institute states that approximately 51,370 Americans will die from this condition in 2010. While colorectal cancer is considered one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., it can be cured if treatment is begun early.

Treating colorectal cancer early may be a problem as this condition may not present any signs. In some cases, however, changes in bowel habits and/or rectal bleeding will signal this condition.

Risk Factors

People who have ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or other inflammatory bowel conditions are at an increased risk of colorectal cancer. People over 60, African Americans, people with a history of cancer, those who have family members with breast or colon cancer, and people who have colon polyps are also at an increased risk. People who eat a high-fat, high-protein diet are also at an increased risk.

Stages of Cancer

When colorectal cancer is caught in the early stages, treatment is much more effective. Colorectal cancer is divided into five stages, which are numbered 0 to IV. Stage 0 means that there is very little cancer on the inmost layer of the colon or rectum. Stage I means the cancer has progressed past the inmost layer. Stage II means the cancer is in the muscle wall. Stage III means the cancer has spread into the lymph nodes. Stage IV means the cancer has spread, or metastasized, to other areas of the body.

My Experience

Because I suffer from an inflammatory bowel condition, I am at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Thus far, I have been lucky and I haven't shown any signs of developing this condition. I have period fecal occult blood tests to check for signs of blood in my stool. This test is possible only when I am not in the midst of a flare up. In addition, I have a colonoscopy annually.

I haven't had an ulcerative colitis flare up in three years-almost four. My doctor says that I am still at a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer, but not as much so as if I were having frequent flare ups. After some discussion, my doctor and I have decided that I will continue to have my screenings since early detection of colorectal cancer means the difference between remission and death.

Conclusion

Anyone who has any of the risk factors of colorectal cancer should get frequent screenings by a qualified doctor. Any unusual bowel symptoms or abdominal pain should be investigated thoroughly because the longer the cancer is allowed to run free in the body, the higher the chance you will die from the cancer.

References

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cancer/DS00035

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000262.htm