This month the team at Orange County CyberKnife is spreading awareness about a type of cancer responsible for 200,000 cases in the US each year. Colorectal, or colon cancer, is a very common cancer that affects any part of the lower digestive tract including the colon or rectum. For patients looking to step up their cancer treatment, our Orange County radiation oncology center is equipped with revolutionary cancer-fighting technology.

Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer

The risk factors for colorectal cancer include the following.

Age –

People over 50 are at greater risk of developing colon cancer simply because of their age. It is recommended that screenings for polyps and early signs begin around this time.

Personal History –

A family history of colon cancer, rectal cancer, or benign polyps increases your risk for malignant colon cancer.

Low-fiber high-fat diet –

the typical western diet has been linked to an increased risk for colon cancer. This risk is increased by a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, highlighting the importance of a clean diet and staying fit.

Smoking and Drinking –

Alcohol use and cigarette smoking both increase the risk of developing colon cancer, as well as many other cancers.

Symptoms

The early stages of the disease may not cause any symptoms, and once they appear, symptoms will vary. Some signs and symptoms are:

• A noticeable and persistent change in bowel movements such as constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool consistency.
• Blood in stool
• Cramps, gas, pain, and other abdominal discomforts
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• The sensation of being unable to empty bowels completely

Radiation Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

Orange county cyberknife can treat recurrence of colorectal cancer with specialized CyberKnife radiation therapy Unlike other radiation delivery systems, CyberKnife pinpoints and tracks tumors using smart technology, and can deliver radiation from any angle thanks to a fully articulated robotic arm. Patient comfort, treatment flexibility, and precision are exponentially increased, and little to no recovery time is necessary. Contact us today and schedule a consultation to get started, we look forward to supporting you through the power of CyberKnife.