What Is It? 

​

Colon and rectal cancer is the third most common cancer, affecting 1 in 20 people.  As of 2024, Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in men under 50 years old, and the 2nd leading cause of death in women under 50.

​

Colon cancer starts within the normal cells lining the colon when something in the very orderly process of cell goes wrong. Normal colonic cells grow and divide. Eventually cells are programmed to die and make room for new cells. When the colon cells continue to grow or older cells do not die, a group of cells form a colon polyp. A dysregulation in cell growth can eventually form a colon cancer from these polyp. Colon cancer cells differ from normal colonic cells, in that they have the potential to invade into the wall of the colon, lymph nodes, and other parts of the body. 

​

Causes

​

We don't know the exact causes, but we do know that about 80% of colorectal cancer is sporadic- meaning no familial or genetic history. The remaining have family history or genetic predisposition. Over 90% of colorectal cancer occurs over the age of 50, so age has something to do with it. But we are also seeing a a rapid rise in colorectal cancer under 50. We don't know exactly why this is, but due to the large population effect we are seeing, we believe the increase in colorectal cancer at earlier ages is due to environmental influences rather than genetic.

​

​

Signs and Symptoms

​

The symptoms can be vague at times and subtle. Many colorectal cancers are asymptomatic and found on screening colonoscopies. 

​

• A change in bowel habits

• Vomiting

• Blood in stool or toilet

• Rectal bleeding with bright red blood

• Either diarrhea or constipation

• Thinner shape of stool

• Tenesmus-the feeling that your bowel doesn't fully empty

• Weight loss

• Cramping or belly pain

• Weakness and fatigue

​

Diagnosis and Treatment 

​

The good news is that colorectal cancer prevention and risk reduction can be accomplished by routine colonoscopies. Colonoscopy screening starts at age 45 for average risk individuals or earlier if you have a family history or genetic predisposition. Dr. Squillaro performs colonoscopy at Sutter's outpatient endoscopy center, the San Francisco Endoscopy Center.

​

When caught at an early stage, colorectal cancer can be cured.  When cancer is localized or confined to the colon, 5-year survival is approximately 90%. When cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes, surgical is around 70%. When cancer has spread to other distant sites I the body (liver, lungs, etc), survival drops to 15-25%. Surgery is the most common treatment and is very safe.  Some patients require chemotherapy or radiation depending on the stage of the cancer.

​

Rectal cancer is colorectal cancer confined to the rectum. These type of cancers often require a multidisciplinary approach between surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists. Dr. Squillaro is a member of Sutter California Pacific Medical Center's rectal cancer program which is the only hospital accredited by the American College of Surgeons National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) in San Francisco. 

​

 

Dr. Squillaro performs colon and rectal cancer surgery with the most advanced robotic surgery techniques to help improve your recovery after surgery. 

​

More from the American Cancer Society on Colorectal Cancer

​