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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, yet when found and treated early, the overall 5year survival rate is approximately 50%. Unfortunately, in the early stages, when cure rates are high, CRC often does not produce any signs or symptoms. Therefore, prevention and early screening are key to the detection and prevention of this cancer and the reduction of mortality rates.
Objectives
This educational activity is designed for nurses and other health care professionals who care for and educate patients regarding colorectal cancer. The multiple choice examination that follows is designed to test your achievement of the following educational objectives. After studying this offering, you will be able to:
1. Cite risk-factors associated with colorectal cancer.
2. Discuss screening methods and guidelines for colorectal cancer.
3. Identify signs and symptoms which indicate the need for colorectal cancer detection procedures.
4 Name dietary considerations which may prevent colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. Globally, CRC is the third leading cause of cancer in males and the fourth leading cause of cancer in females. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that approximately 94,700 cases of colon cancer and 34,700 cases of rectal cancer were diagnosed in 1999. In addition, it is anticipated that colon cancer will be responsible for approximately 47,900 deaths and rectal cancer 8,700 deaths in 1999. The overall 5-year survival rate for CRC when found and treated at an early stage is approximately 90% (ACS, 1999). However, only about 35% of CRCs are found at an early stage. If the cancer has spread to an adjacent organ or lymph nodes the 5-year survival rate is about 60%. When CRC has spread to other organs such as the liver and/or lungs, the survival rate drops significantly to approximately 7%. Colorectal cancer can occur at any age; however, more than 90% of the cases occur over the age of 50, at which the risk doubles every 10 years (ACS, 1999; Cohen, 1996).
In its early stages, when cure rates are high, CRC often does not produce any signs and symptoms. When not detected early, the disease goes unnoticed and spreads beyond the intestines to...