Orange County CyberKnife is a world-class cancer center specializing in comprehensive cancer treatment plans and noninvasive alternatives to colon cancer surgery like CyberKnife treatment. We believe that patient education is a vital part of the cancer treatment process, which is why we’ve composed a list of frequently asked questions and answers about colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer may affect anyone, and it’s both the third most commonly diagnosed cancer as well as the third most common cause of cancer death in the US, for both men and women. Each year, 137,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the US, and of those cases, roughly 50,000 will eventually prove fatal.
It’s highly uncommon for young people to develop colorectal cancer if they don’t have a family history of the condition. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), however, is a condition that causes patients to develop precancerous polyps in the colon, usually starting in the mid-teenage years. The entire colon must be surgically removed or the patient will develop colorectal cancer by their late 30s.
There’s not very much data as to the link between lactose and colorectal cancer. That said, some new studies point to probiotic therapy as a healthy treatment, and it’s possible that dietary dairy products alter the microflora of the colon to reduce colorectal cancer risk.
Generally speaking, no; there is no known correlation between colon length and colorectal cancer risk.
No, in most cases, a previous case of stomach cancer does not impact the likelihood of developing colon cancer.
No, IBS has not been shown to affect the risk of colorectal cancer. Generally, people with IBS are recommended to follow the normal screening guidelines for their own demographic. However, if your IBS symptoms change suddenly or you see blood in your stool, you should immediately notify your physician and gastroenterologist to find out if colorectal cancer may be a possibility.
If you or a loved one have been affected by colorectal cancer, we understand how difficult and scary this can be. We have state-of-the-art technologies and colorectal cancer treatment to give you the best possible chance at beating cancer and reclaiming a healthy normal life. Call Orange County CyberKnife today at 714-962-7100 or request a consultation online.