Nuclear Oncology

Posts Tagged ‘Colorectal cancer’

Colon cancer incidence figures EspañaSegún of cancer in Spain put forward by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), on the occasion of World Cancer Day, held last February 4, each year 200,000 new diagnosed in Spain cases of this disease. Although early diagnosis and the advent of new treatments have allowed the survival rates (five years after diagnosis) reaches 55%: 60% female and 50% among men.

Of these newly diagnosed cases, colorectal cancer is most common when counting both sexes together, followed by breast and lung tumors. In total, 38,000 new diagnosed annually colon tumors, a disease for which today only three of the 17 autonomous communities have pilot population screening programs, either by colonoscopy or blood in the stool.

In addition, colon cancer is the most deadly, is ahead of even lung cancer. In 2006, according to the SEOM, colorectal cancer killed 98,046 people.

If this is another type of cancer by sex, especially men have prostate cancer, lung and colon, whereas in women, the list of the most common is led by breast cancer, gynecologic tumors (uterus, ovary, fallopian tubes and cervix) and colorectal cancer also in third place.

Although forecasts are saying that one in three men and one in four women will have cancer in Spain during his life, oncologists have chosen to emphasize the small advances being achieved year on year in survival.

However, despite all the improvements, cancer is currently the leading cause of death in Spain, followed by heart problems. Therefore, Dr. Antonio González, member of the SEOM has insisted that the future goes through four pillars: “Increase public awareness of the importance of primary prevention, research, campaigns promoting early detection and therapeutic innovations to adapt emerging to Spanish media. ”

The colon and rectum, also called colorectal cancer, is the term used to describe malignant tumors in the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine of the digestive system, commonly called the gastrointestinal tract. Typically, the colon is the upper intestine, and is about 5 or 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 m), the rectum is the lower part, located on the anus, is about 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm).

In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer. However, thanks to better tests that allow early detection, when cancer is easily treated, the number of deaths from this disease has decreased. Physical activity and good nutrition are associated with reduced colorectal cancer incidence. In the United States approximately 150 000 diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer every year.

Overview of treatment options

Treatment options for colorectal cancer depend on tumor stage, ie, how much it has spread or how deep it has come to the bowel wall and other tissues as well as if placed in the colon or rectum. In general, patients with colon cancer receiving chemotherapy after surgery if the lymph node is positive. Patients with positive lymph nodes or tumors that extend into the fatty tissue surrounding the rectum receiving chemotherapy and radiation, usually before surgery. Treatment also depends on age, medical history, general health status of patients and their tolerance for specific medications and treatments. Read the rest of this entry »