Questions & Answers

2. Why does smoking increase the risk of colorectal cancer?

There are two reasons why smoking increases the risk of colorectal cancer. First, tobacco of all kinds contains carcinogens — cancer-causing substances. When you inhale smoke or chew tobacco, those substances can travel to your colon or rectum and lead to cancer, just as they may cause bladder cancer, lung cancer or oral cancer, among others. Second, tobacco use tends to make polyps in your colon — which can turn into cancer — larger, more dangerous and more likely to turn into cancer.

3. How is obesity linked to colorectal cancer?

Research has shown that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly and eating healthy foods, can decrease the risk for colorectal cancer. People who are overweight are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, likely due to their diet or other factors that researchers are still studying.

4. During a colonoscopy how can the doctor determine which polyps will become cancerous?

Polyps, or abnormal growths in the colon, can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The only way to determine whether one has a polyp is to get a colonoscopy, and the only way to determine whether the polyp is benign, precancerous or malignant is to send it to the lab for evaluation. Generally, all polyps found during screening are removed. It is very important to get routine colon cancer screening so you can catch polyps early and remove them before they turn into cancer.

5. Can healthy eating reduce a person’s risk for colorectal cancer?

Research is now being done to figure out exactly which changes in your diet can lessen your risk of colon cancer the most. Some medical experts recommend a diet that is low in fats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grain products to reduce the risk of colon cancer and other chronic diseases. Studies are also being done to figure out if certain vitamins and medications, such as calcium, vitamin D, selenium and aspirin, can help prevent colon cancer.

6. Is colorectal cancer preventable?

There isn’t any guaranteed way to prevent colon polyps or colorectal cancer, but there are lots of things you can do to lessen your risk. Routine colon cancer screening, which can remove potential cancers before they start, is essential. In addition, experts suggest you should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking and alcohol, and eat a healthy diet.

7. Can colon cancer be cured?

Colon cancer can be treated and, if treatment is successful, the patient can be completely cured. Again, the key is early detection. There are three main treatment options, which can be used alone or in combination, if your doctor finds colon polyps that are cancerous:

1. Surgery — this can range from a simple removal of the polyp to the removal of a section of your colon;

2. Chemotherapy — drugs that will kill cancer cells or slow them from growing and dividing;

3. Radiation — X-rays or other types of radiation can kill cancer cells and/or stop them from growing and dividing as well

The kind of treatment a patient receives depends on a several factors, which include the stage of the cancer (stage is determined by whether the cancer is local or has spread), whether or not this is the first time the cancer has appeared or if it is considered a recurrence, and finally, how healthy the patient is overall. Once cancer is treated, it is important to be tested regularly because cancer can recur. You should discuss with your doctor how often this is necessary and how soon after treatment you should begin your screenings.

Elizabeth J. Donahue of the Disparities Solutions Center participated in the preparation of these responses.