Colon and Rectal Cancer — The Cause, The Cure, The Challenge

Cancer of the large intestine, termed colorectal carcinoma, has emerged as an area of focus
in medicine today. In the not-so-distant past, these cancers were not discussed in polite circles.
However, because of several high profile cases and the resulting awareness of the commonness
of this disease, that is no longer the case. Prevention and treatment of colon and rectal cancer
have come to the forefront of the public’s health-care concerns.

Colon and rectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and second only to lung cancer in causing death from cancer. The overall incidence has decreased over the previous decade for reasons as yet to be determined. The decrease in incidence is likely the result of several factors, with increased awareness, better understanding of screening tools and better compliance with screening recommendations contributing. Recent changes in coverage for screening colonoscopy by Medicare and other third-party payers are just an example of the growing awareness of the risks of colon and rectal cancer.

At the Allegheny Center for Colon and Rectal Surgery, we employ a multimodality approach to the treatment of and colon and rectal cancer. In keeping with our therapeutic approach, several different specialties involved in the care of colon and rectal cancer patients will share their knowledge and experience on this website. Here, we will discuss the known risk factors for colon and rectal cancer - The Cause; discuss the current multimodality treatment regimens that exist for the disease - The Cure; and discuss preventive measures, screening and the future of colon and rectal cancer prevention and treatment - The Challenge.