Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is a cancer of the large intestine. The large intestine is made up of two parts, the colon and the rectum.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer in men. In 2007, nearly 73,000 men were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and approximately 27,000 died from it.
The majority of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people aged 50 years or older. If the disease is caught in its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 74%. The problem, however, is that there may be no early symptoms of bowel cancer. That's why screening is so important.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer in Men
Symptoms may only become apparent once the cancer has reached a more serious stage. They may include:
- Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, a feeling of an unfinished bowel movement, and narrower stools
- Blood in the stool, showing as either bright red in color or very dark red
- Abdominal discomfort, such as gas, bloating or fullness, and cramps
- Unexpected weight loss
- Extreme or constant tiredness
- Vomiting
- Anemia with no known cause
If you're experiencing the symptoms of colorectal cancer, it's important to speak with your doctor. Early treatment can improve your prognosis.
Sources:
American Cancer Society. "Survival rates for colorectal cancer." Accessed 2/9/12. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ColonandRectumCancer/OverviewGuide/colorectal-cancer-overview-survival-rates
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Top 10 Cancers Among Men." Accessed 2/9/12. http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsMenTop10Cancers/
Medically reviewed on 2/8/2012
