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Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Disease Information

Genentech BioOncology is dedicated to advancing the science of colorectal cancer therapy through comprehensive research programs and education. Colorectal cancer is cancer that begins in the colon or rectum.

Types of colorectal cancer

  • Adenocarcinomas constitute 95% of colorectal cancer and originate in mucus-producing glands lining the colon and rectum1
  • Carcinoid tumors develop from hormone-producing cells of the intestine1
  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumors develop from the interstitial cells of Cajal. They may be benign or malignant1
  • Lymphomas may start in the colon, rectum, or other organs1
  • Sarcomas can start in the blood vessels, muscle, and connective tissue of the colon and rectum wall1

Colorectal Cancer Demographics

  • In 2010, an estimated 102,900 Americans were diagnosed with colon cancer and 39,670 were diagnosed with rectal cancer2
  • An estimated 51,370 Americans died of colorectal cancer (9% of all cancer deaths)2
  • Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women2
  • Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality have declined over most of the past 2 decades, attributable to the increased use of colorectal cancer screening and consequent removal of precancerous polyps1,2

Colorectal Cancer Epidemiology

  • Risk factors include age >50 years; colorectal polyps; colorectal cancer in a first-degree relative; inherited syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (Lynch syndrome); personal history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease; diets high in fat and low in calcium, folate, and fiber; physical inactivity, obesity, cigarette smoking, and heavy alcohol use1
  • African Americans and Jews of Eastern European descent have a higher than normal incidence of colorectal cancer1,2
  • The 5-year relative survival rate for persons with colorectal cancer is 65%2

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include a change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool; the sensation of incomplete bowel emptying; blood in the stool; cramps, flatulence, and bloating; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; nausea, and vomiting.1,3

References:
1.
American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer early detection. www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/
DetailedGuide/colorectal-cancer-what-is-cancer. Accessed April 13, 2011.
2.
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2010. www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/
documents/document/acspc-026238.pdf. Accessed April 14, 2011.
3.
US Department of Health and Human Services. National Cancer Institute. What you need to know about™ cancer of the colon and rectum. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/colon-and-rectal/page1. Accessed April 13, 2011.