metastatic Colorectal cancer

Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know

Metastatic colorectal cancer, sometimes referred to as stage IV colorectal cancer, is a serious form of colorectal cancer in which the cancer cells have spread from the original location in the colon or rectum to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain. It is estimated that about 10 to 15 percent of colorectal cancer cases are metastatic at the time of diagnosis.

Though many people are diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, there have been advances in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Modern treatments can make it possible for people with metastatic colorectal cancer to manage pain and other symptoms, while also helping them to live longer and with an improved quality of life. Here are a few things to understand about metastatic colorectal cancer:

Treatment Options

Treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer can vary depending on the stage at which the cancer is detected. The most common treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer include:

Surgery: Surgery may be used to remove or reduce the size of a tumor in the organ to which the cancer has spread. Surgery is most commonly used in cases that involve limited areas of spread.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a medication-based treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. It is often used to help reduce the size of tumors and can be used before or after surgery.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy rays to shrink tumors. This type of treatment is most commonly used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer in the bones or other parts of the body, and can be used before or after surgery.
Targeted Therapies: Targeted therapies are medications that work by targeting certain proteins or genes in the cancer cells. These therapies may be used in combination with other therapies to treat metastatic colorectal cancer.

Outlook

Though the outlook for metastatic colorectal cancer can vary depending on the individual, recent advances in diagnosis and treatment have led to improved outcomes. It is estimated that the five-year relative survival rate for individuals with metastatic colorectal cancer is about 18 to 21 percent, which is higher than the five-year relative survival rate for individuals with localized colorectal cancer, which is 68 to 91 percent.

Risk Factors

Though anyone can develop metastatic colorectal cancer, there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include:

Family history: Having a family history of colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal cancer increases the risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer.
Age: The risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer increases with age.
Diet: Eating a diet high in red and processed meats, such as bacon, sausages, and hamburgers, can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Alcohol: Heavy drinking has been linked to an increased risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer.
Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer.
Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer.

Prevention

Though it is not always possible to prevent metastatic colorectal cancer, there are certain things that individuals can do to lower their risk of developing the disease. These include:

Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Keeping a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer.
Limiting alcohol use: Limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer.
Not smoking: Quitting smoking, or not starting in the first place, can help reduce the risk of developing metastatic colorectal cancer.
Getting screened for colorectal cancer: Getting screened for colorectal cancer can help detect any abnormalities in the colon or rectum at an early stage, which can then be treated before it turns into metastatic colorectal cancer.

Though metastatic colorectal cancer can be a serious and life-threatening disease, there are treatments available that can help people manage their symptoms and live longer lives with an improved quality of life. If you have any questions or concerns about metastatic colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor.