Living with Adenocarcinoma, Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal adenocarcinoma is a type of colon/rectal tumor originating in the glands that produce the mucus that coat the inside of the colon/rectal area. The cancerous cells may spread into the walls of the colon and then into the lymphatic system. The cancer becomes more of risk when polyps (benign tumors formed by abnormal growth) turn cancerous. Colorectal adenocarcinoma progresses slowly and sometimes is not detected for 5 years. Noticeable signs include irregular bowel habits like constipation and diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and abnormal weight loss.

About 95% of colorectal cancer is colorectal adenocarcinoma and there are about 140,000 cases a year. About 90% of colorectal cancer patients are over the age of 50; it is also more common in the African-American race. There is a 50% survival rate in the first 5 years and if it is caught in the early stages there is a 70-80% survival rate. Some risk factors of colorectal cancer are family history of colon cancer and polyps, chronic intestinal conditions, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and copious consumption of alcohol. Stages range from zero to IV. Treatment for colorectal adenocarcinoma includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Today, Katie Couric is associated with colon cancer, but she does not have colon cancer herself. Her husband, Jay Monahan, passed from colon cancer in 1998. Couric then used her presence in the media to raise awareness about colon cancer. She underwent a colonoscopy on live television in 2000 to encourage viewers to get screened for colon cancer.

For more information on adenocarcinoma colorectal cancer, read the American Cancer Society’s detailed guide.

If you have been affected by adenocarcinoma colorectal cancer, take some time to read others’ experiences. Share your own experiences, ask, or answer questions here.