10 Most Common Cancers
3. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third commonest cancer globally. This includes both colon cancer and rectal cancer. In 2018, there were 1,800,977 newly diagnosed cases, which consists of 10.6% of all cancers in 2018. Patients with colorectal cancer may experience weight loss, fatigue, blood in the stool, appetite loss, anemia, and change in bowel movements.
Some of the risk factors are lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and a diet that has a lot of red meat and processed foods. Genetic disorders that cause colorectal cancer represent less than 5% of cases. Diagnosis is via a biopsy obtained through a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The 5-year survival rate is estimated to be about 65% in the United States.
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