Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers is a paid sponsor of Sonoran Living
Colorectal cancer signifies a malignancy that originates in the colon or rectum. Generally speaking, the colon and the rectum are separated by the peritoneal reflection. Tumors that arise above this line are considered colon cancers and tumors at or below this line are rectal cancers, excluding tumors that specifically arise in the anal canal. This is an important distinction as there are differences in the treatment approaches for colon cancer versus rectal cancer. For instance, rectal cancers are typically treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation while colon cancers commonly require only surgery and chemotherapy and not radiation.
Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas which is a pathologic term to describe tumors that start in a glandular tissue. Colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp, which may form on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. As some polyps can be precursors to invasive cancers, screening and removal of polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer diagnosed in the United States and a person's lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is approximately 4%. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the United States. Despite this, deaths from colorectal cancer have been declining for several decades. Improvements in screening and treatments have led to this success.
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers has 9 Valley locations. To book an appointment call (480) 821-2838 or visit, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers is a paid sponsor of Sonoran Living
