What questions should I ask about colon cancer?
Questions to Ask About Colorectal Cancer
- Where is the cancer located?
- Has the cancer spread beyond where it started?
- What is the cancer’s stage (extent), and what does that mean?
- Will I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
Which client is at highest risk for colorectal cancer?
Age. The risk of colorectal cancer increases as people get older. Colorectal cancer can occur in young adults and teenagers, but the majority of colorectal cancers occur in people older than 50. For colon cancer, the average age at the time of diagnosis for men is 68 and for women is 72.
What are 4 common risk factors for colorectal cancer?
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps….
- Lack of regular physical activity.
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables.
- A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats.
- Overweight and obesity.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Tobacco use.
What is the first stage of colon cancer?
Stage 0. Also known as carcinoma in situ, in this stage abnormal cells are only in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Stage 1. The cancer has penetrated the lining, or mucosa, of the colon or rectum and may have grown into the muscle layer.
Who should be screened for colorectal cancer?
Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer and finding it early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force) recommends that adults age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. The Task Force recommends that adults age 76 to 85 talk to their doctor about screening.
What genes cause colon cancer?
Colon cancer is one of the most common inherited cancer syndromes known. Among the genes found to be involved in colorectal cancer are: MSH2 and MSH6 both on chromosome 2 and MLH1, on chromosome 3. Normally, the protein products of these genes help to repair mistakes made in DNA replication.
What is the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer?
The large majority of colorectal malignancies develop from adenomatous polyps. These can be defined as well demarcated masses of epithelial dysplasia, with uncontrolled crypt cell division. An adenoma can be considered malignant when neoplastic cells pass through the muscularis mucosae and infiltrate the submucosa.
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is the best procedure to check for colorectal polyps and cancer. Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which a physician uses a long, flexible scope (called a colonoscope) to view the rectum and entire colon. During the procedure, polyps can be removed and tested for signs of cancer.
What causes colorectal cancer?
The exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, but certain risk factors are strongly linked to the disease, including diet, tobacco smoking and heavy alcohol use. Also, people with certain hereditary cancer syndromes or a family history of colorectal cancer have a high risk of developing the disease.
What is colorectal cancer symptoms?
Symptoms
- A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain.
- A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely.
- Weakness or fatigue.
What should a nurse assess a client with colorectal cancer?
A nurse assessing a client with colorectal cancer auscultates high-pitched bowel sounds and notes the presence of visible peristaltic waves. Which action should the nurse take? a. Ask if the client is experiencing pain in the right shoulder.
Should I tell my siblings and children about my colon cancer test?
a. “It is required by law that you inform your siblings and children about this result so that they also can be tested and monitored for colon cancer.” b. “It is not necessary to tell your siblings because they are adults, but you should tell your children so that they can be tested before they decide to have children of their own.” c.
Should nurses talk about colostomies with patients?
The nurse should not brush aside the client’s request by saying that most people with colostomies do not want to talk about them. Many people are willing to share their ostomy experience in the hope of helping others.
Why is a colonoscopy required for colon cancer screening?
b. The colonoscopy is required due to the high percentage of false negatives with the blood test. c. A negative fecal occult blood test does not rule out the possibility of colon cancer.