Week 6 - Colorectal Cancer Flashcards
describe the prevalence of colorectal cancer
- 2nd most common for men
- 3rd most common for women
where do most colorectal tumours occur?
- in the left colon (sigmoid) & rectum
what is one way to detect colorectal cancer
- via sigmoid scope
what are the risk factors for colorectal cancer (5)
- increases with age, particularly over 50
- FHx
- ulceratitive colitis
- multiple colon polyps
- diet
see notes for longer chart w
how does a low fiber diet increase the risk of colorectal cancer
- creates a smaller, slower fecal bulk = increased amt of time a carcinogenic spends in the colon
what impact does increased dietary fiber intake have on colorectal cancer
- will dilute the feces & lead to quick removal of carcinogens
what kind of diet increases the risk of colorectal cancer (5)
- low fibre
- high in fat & red meat
- low calcium
- low folate
- low antioxidant vitamines
what are considered antioxidant vitamins
A, C, E
what 2 things seem to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer
- NSAIDs
- hormone replacement therapy
what is often the first sign of colorectal cancer
- bleeding and/or occult blood
describe the onset of symptoms in colorectal cancer
- usually asymptomatic until late in its course
list manifestations of colorectal cancer (3)
- bleeding and/or occult blood
- weight loss
- change in bowel habits
what changes in bowel habits is seen during colorectal cancer
- diarrhea
- constipation
- incomplete emptying
what is a manifestations common with a left-sided tumour? why?
- bowel obstruction
- solid feces has difficulty clearing past the mass
describe the survival rate of colorectal cancer if it is mucosal involvement only vs metastisis
- mucosal only = 100
- metastasis = <20%
