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Colon and rectal cancers

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of colorectal cancer.

Alternative Names

Colorectal cancer

Prognosis

In 2005, colorectal cancer was expected to cause 145,290 new cases and 56,290 deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is almost always a preventable or curable disease when it is caught early.

Survival Rates

Survival rates for colorectal cancer have been rising in recent years. The 5-year survival rate is as high as 90% for cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes ( localized cancer). When cancer has spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body, survival rates drop to 65% and below. Because many cancers are detected at later stages, the overall survival rate is currently about 60%. African Americans and other minorities tend to have lower survival rates than Caucasians. Studies suggest, however, these higher mortality rates are largely due to less access to optimal health care, including appropriate surgical care and aggressive treatments.

Factors in Treatment Success

In most cases age is not a factor in treatment success. Good survival rates are achieved in the elderly as well as in young people. Chances for survival are less in Stage II cancers if the intestine is obstructed or perforated. If cancer has spread to lymph nodes (Stage III), the outlook is better if three or fewer lymph nodes are involved. Treatment can prolong life even when cancer has spread.

• Review Date: 3/6/2007
• Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Harvey Simon, M.D., Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital (9/1/2006).

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