Colorectal Cancer

Background of Colorectal Cancer

The colon is a major organ in the final processing of nutrients. The colon is the first six feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last eight to ten inches. Cancers may affect the colon (colon cancer) or the rectum (rectal cancer).

Cancer in the colon or rectum starts with a growth that is not yet cancer. Center researchers are working to better understand what triggers the development of cancer. Testing helps to find and remove growths early; the chances of beating or avoiding colorectal cancer greatly increase with regular testing and early detection.

Surgery and radiation therapies are the most common treatments for colorectal cancer. Sometimes chemotherapy may be used. If cancer is found in small polyps, benign growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum, it can be treated without major surgery.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer death. In 2007, nearly 154,000 new cases will be diagnosed nationwide, and more than 52,000 will die from the disease. It is more likely to occur as people get older and is most common in people over the age of 50. Colorectal cancer is more common in some families and certain conditions like ulcerative colitis, a history of polyps or in women with a history of ovarian or uterine cancer. Many factors have been found to be associated with CRC, such as low levels of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, high body weight, prior history of polyps of the colon or rectum, low intake of fruits and vegetables and high meat consumption. Other factors have been associated with reduced risk such as a diet rich in plant foods, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin) and postmenopausal hormones.

Hutchinson Center Colorectal Cancer Research

Overview of Hutchinson Center Colorectal Cancer Research

Hutchinson Center colorectal cancer research is primarily focused on discovering ways to reduce a person's risk of colorectal cancer and developing new ways to detect colorectal cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Colorectal-cancer treatment, including clinical trials of new therapies, is offered at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Reducing the risk of colorectal cancer

The best way to eliminate colorectal cancer is to prevent it from ever occurring. The Hutchinson Center houses the world's largest and longest-standing cancer-prevention research program, dedicated to discovering the factors that influence a person's likelihood of developing cancer — and using that knowledge to develop and test ways that people can reduce their cancer risk and lead healthier lives. Colorectal-cancer prevention projects include:

Read more about cancer-prevention or early detection studies that are recruiting participants.

Screening out colorectal cancer

If all colorectal cancer cases were now detected at their earliest stages, five-year survival rates for the disease would jump from 64 to 90 percent. Hutchinson Center scientists are developing new ways to detect colorectal cancer at its earliest, most curable stages.

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