Colon Cancer

currently thought there are three types of colon cancer:

1. sporadic (95%)
2. hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC, 5%)
3. familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP, <1%)

Risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) include

• family history,
• polyposis syndromes (eg, FAP),
• Inflammatory bowel disease, and
• African-American race
• Others - alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, and obesity

Protective factors include

• high-fiber diet rich in fruits and vegetables,
• regular NSAID use,
• HRT, and
• regular exercise

Treatment

Localized (limited to muscularis layer) - sugical resection

If penetrated the serosa - Sx + chemo

Chemo drug of choice = 5-FU