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The colon and rectum
The colon and rectum form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine or large bowel. The colon and rectum are part of the body's digestive tract. (Please see the picture of the colon below.)
The colon is about 4 feet long. The last part of the colon is called the rectum.
The colon works like a factory to remove vitamins and minerals from the food you eat so that these vitamins and minerals can be used by your body.
The colon also holds the body's solid wastes until they pass out of your system when you have a bowel movement.
What is cancer?
Your body is made up of many different kinds of cells. Healthy cells divide and grow in a normal, orderly way. But, sometimes, healthy cells can change and grow into tumors.
There are 2 kinds of tumors.
Tumors that are not cancers are called benign (bee-nine). These tumors can be removed by your doctor. They do not spread to other parts of the body.
Tumors that are cancers are called malignant (muh-lig'-nunt). Malignant tumors are more serious because they can spread to other parts of the body and cause new tumors to start growing. Malignant tumors can be removed but sometimes they can grow back.
What is cancer of the colon and rectum?
Cancer that starts in the colon is called colon cancer. Cancer that starts in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancer of the colon and rectum is also called colorectal cancer.
Most cancers of the colon and rectum start as polyps. Polyps are small benign growths that can take years to grow. Sometimes, they can turn into cancer if they are not removed.
How many people get colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a very common cancer in the United States. People who are 50 and older are most at risk from this kind of cancer.1
Who is at risk of getting colorectal cancer?
Anyone can get colorectal cancer. But some people seem to be at a higher risk of this disease.1
You may be at risk of getting colorectal cancer...
- if you have a condition called Crohn's disease
- if you are over 50
- if a member of your family has had colon cancer
- if you have had cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus
- if you smoke
- if you are overweight
- if you eat a diet that is high in fat and low in fiber
What are some of the signs of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer develops slowly. Very often, people don't feel anything in the early stages of colorectal cancer.1 That is why it is important to see your doctor for regular checkups.
Be sure to tell your doctor right away...
- if you have more diarrhea or constipation than usual
- if you see blood in your stool (the blood can be bright red or very dark to black in color)
- if you see blood on your toilet paper after you have a bowel movement
- if you always seem to feel full or bloated
- if you always seem to have cramps or an upset stomach
- if you have gas pains more often than usual
- if you are losing weight without dieting
- if you feel more tired than usual
- if you notice any other changes in the way you feel.
Be sure to see your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. You may not have colorectal cancer. But if there is cancer in your colon or rectum, the earlier your doctor can find and treat it, the better.
How will my doctor know if I have colorectal cancer?
If you have signs of colorectal cancer, your doctor will want you to have tests to find out for sure. Here are some of the tests your doctor may want you to have1:
A Digital Rectal Exam. This is a simple exam that your doctor may give you if there is any bleeding coming from your rectum.
An Occult Blood Test. Your doctor will give you a test kit and will tell you how to use it at home. If the test shows that you have blood in your stool, your doctor will want to do additional tests to find out what is causing the bleeding.
A Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. During this test, your doctor will put a thin, flexible tube into your rectum and the lower part of your colon. This allows your doctor to look for polyps in your colon and remove them. A sigmoidoscopy allows your doctor to examine about half of your colon.
A Colonoscopy . A colonoscopy is a common medical test. It may be given to look for early signs of cancer of the colon or rectum or to help diagnose certain medical conditions. Before a colonoscopy, your doctor will give you medicine to help you relax so you will feel less discomfort. Then you will lie on your side or back. Your doctor will put a thin, flexible, lighted tube, called a colonoscope, into your rectum and colon. The difference between a sigmoidoscopy and a colonoscopy is that during a colonoscopy your doctor is able see your entire colon.
A Barium Enema With Air Contrast. During this test, your doctor will take an x-ray of your colon and rectum to look for polyps.
How is colorectal cancer treated?
There are 3 ways to treat cancer of the colon and rectum: surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapy. Your doctor will decide the best treatment for you based on your condition. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your treatment. Ask questions about anything you do not understand.
How can I lower my risk of colon cancer?
Here are some things you can do to help lower your risk of colon cancer...
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables and whole grains each day
- Cut back on foods that have a lot of fat (processed foods, fried foods, whole-milk dairy products, and snacks)
- Quit smoking
- Exercise every day by walking, swimming, bike riding, or other activity
- Have regular checkups with your doctor
- Keep all of your doctor's appointments
Reference: 1. What You Need to Know AboutTM Cancer of the Colon and Rectum. National Cancer Institute. US National Institutes of Health. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wynk/colon-and-rectum.
HalfLytely and Bisacodyl Tablets Bowel Prep Kit is a
gastrointestinal lavage indicated for cleansing of the
colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults. Most
common adverse reactions (<3%) are abdominal
pain/cramping, nausea, vomiting and headache. Use is
contraindicated in the following conditions: known
allergies to polyethylene glycol or other components of
the kit, gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, bowel
perforation, toxic colitis, toxic megacolon.
Use with caution in patients using concomitant
medications (such as diuretics) that increase the risk
of electrolyte abnormality, patients with known or
suspected hyponatremia, patients with severe ulcerative
colitis, ileus or gastric retention. There have been
reports of ischemic colitis in patients with use of
HalfLytely and 20 mg Bisacodyl Tablets Bowel Prep Kit.
However, a causal relationship has not been established.
If patients develop severe abdominal pain or rectal
bleeding, patients should be evaluated as soon as
possible. Patients with impaired water handling who
experience severe vomiting should be closely monitored
including measurement of electrolytes. Hives and skin
rashes have been reported with PEG-based products which
are suggestive of an allergic reaction.
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