Colon Cancer Prevention

UPHI is affiliated with West Coast Surgery Center. The coloscopy procedure is an important procedure for preventing colon cancer. If you are over the age of forty, this procedure is recommended. We offer complimentary limousine service from your home to the center. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Clairessa at 1-(877) 777-7701.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer - the Basics

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Inside your abdominal cavity is the long, tubular digestive tract. The second part of this tube -- the large intestine -- is composed of the colon, which stretches four to six feet, and the rectum, which is only four to six inches long. The inner lining of this "colorectal tube" can be a fertile breeding ground for small tumors, called polyps (Figure 1). About a quarter of all adults in the U.S. over the age of 50 will have at least one colorectal polyp. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps in glandular tissue of the intestinal lining.

Most polyps are benign, but at least one type is known to be precancerous. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps in glandular tissue of the intestinal lining.

If colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated early while the tumor is still localized, the disease is highly curable, with five-year survival rates of about 90%. If the tumor continues to grow, cancer can spread directly through the bowel wall to surrounding tissues and organs, as well as into the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Once the cancer spreads to lymph nodes or other organs, successful treatment becomes more difficult. Depending on how advanced the disease is, five-year survival rates range from 9% to 93%.

Cancers of the colon and rectum are the third most common cancer in the U.S., with approximately 150,000 cases diagnosed each year. Like many cancers, colorectal cancer is of particular concern for people older than age 50.