Colorectal Cancer in Portland, OR
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Colorectal Cancer Overview
Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, surpassing breast and prostate cancers when both genders are combined. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is approximately 5 percent. In 2020, an estimated 147,000 new cases were diagnosed, and 53,200 people lost their lives to this disease.
It affects men and women at nearly equal rates, with men at 4.49 percent and women at 4.15 percent. This equates to 1 in 22 to 1 in 24 people developing colorectal cancer. For individuals with a family history of the disease, the risk increases to 10–15 percent, and for those with conditions like ulcerative colitis or specific genetic mutations, the risk can exceed 50 percent.
Click here to learn how to schedule a screening colonoscopy.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer often develops silently, with no symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they may include:
- Blood in/on stool.
- Changes in bowel habits.
- Narrow stools.
- Stomach discomfort (bloating, cramps, or fullness).
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling incomplete bowel emptying.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Frequent gas pains.
- Weight loss without explanation.
- Fatigue or unusual tiredness.
- Vomiting.
Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Colorectal cancer is preventable!
- Most cases start as benign polyps that can be removed during a colonoscopy. Early detection is crucial, as colorectal cancer is curable in up to 90 percent of cases when identified early. Widespread adoption of screening and early detection could save more than 40,000 lives annually.
- Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet with at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking, obesity, and heavy alcohol use.
Who’s at Risk?
Increased Risk Factors:
- Age 45 and older (screening recommended).
- Personal/family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- History of ovarian, endometrial, breast, prostate, or kidney cancer.
Racial/Ethnic Considerations:
- African Americans and Hispanics are often diagnosed at later stages.
- Colorectal cancer has risen 46% among African American men and 10% among African American women.
- Alaska Native women face the highest mortality rates from colorectal cancer.
Click on these links from the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons to learn more about colorectal cancer and how to prevent it.
- 6 steps to lowering your risk of colon cancer
- Anal Cancer
- Are you at increased risk for Colorectal Cancer?
- Basic Facts About Colorectal Cancer
- Colon and Rectal Cancer Follow-Up Care
- Colon Cancer
- FAQ about Colorectal Cancer
- Hereditary Colorectal Cancer
- Myths about Colorectal Cancer
- Rectal Cancer