Proton Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Statistics

• In 2024 an estimated 152,810 cases of colon and rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States.
• An estimated 53,010 people in the United States will die from colorectal cancer in 2024.
• The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer discovered early and before the cancer spreads is 91%, but only about 35% of colorectal cancers are identified in this early stage.
• In Texas in 2024, there will be 12,260 expected new cases of colon and rectal cancer and 4,410 deaths.

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Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

• Age: People age 50 and over have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, colorectal cancer in people under 50 is rising.
• Family History: People with a family history of colorectal polyps, along with a family history of colorectal cancer, are at greater risk and should consult a doctor about screening frequency.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: People with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk of colorectal cancer and may need earlier or more frequent screening.
• Diet: Diets that contain large amounts of red and processed meats can increase risk.
• Personal Health: Overweight and inactive people are at a higher risk. Type 2 diabetes has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. People with a history of polyps are also at an increased risk, and may need earlier or more frequent screening. Long-term smoking and heavy alcohol use raise risk.
• Inherited Syndromes: Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) increase risk of colorectal cancer. Lynch syndrome is responsible for about 2-4 percent of colorectal cancers, and those with the condition have a lifetime risk of up to 50 percent of developing colorectal cancer. FAP, which can increase polyp development, causes about 1 percent of colorectal cancer cases. Genetic testing can determine if a person has the gene mutation associated with these syndromes.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Typically, people in the early stages of colorectal cancer do not have symptoms; symptoms become apparent as the disease advances. If a person experiences any of the following symptoms, he or she should consult a physician.

• Abnormal bowel habits
• Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Cramping or stomach discomfort
• Frequent gas or feeling bloated
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Blood in the stool
• Feeling of weakness or fatigue
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• Anemia
• Decreased appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling bowel doesn’t fully empty

Colorectal Cancer Prevention

• Screening: Men and women age 45 and older with an average risk for developing colorectal cancer should discuss the most appropriate screening test with their physician. Screening tests include annual guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT); multi-targeted stool DNA (MT-sDNA) test every three years; flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; double-contrast barium enema every five to 10 years; virtual colonoscopy every five years; or colonoscopy every 10 years. Those with increased risk factors should consult their physician whether to begin screenings earlier than age 45. Those with symptoms or a positive test from another type of test should have a colonoscopy.
• Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight through a regular exercise schedule and healthy diet may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Long-term smoking increases risk. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are linked to lower risk of colorectal cancer and polyps. However, these drugs can have serious side effects. You should talk with your physician before taking them specifically to lower your risk.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment 

Main types of treatment for colorectal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, proton therapy, chemotherapy, ablation, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and palliative care. Specific needs may be addressed by surgeons, gastroenterologists, or medical or radiation oncologists. For complex treatments, a team of specialists may be involved.