Diffusion Weighted Imaging for Colorectal Cancer

A cure for [colorectal cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/colorectal-cancer) has yet to be found; however, an effective vaccine against colon cancer and a cure in other forms of cancer (cancer in the skin or breast) may be within sight. The problem is that while there are some treatments that have been found to be effective against colon cancer, the treatment cannot be used continuously or the patient will be affected by the side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Although I believe that a cure will be found, the most effective way to improve the quality of life for patients with colon cancer is to identify and remove the earliest possible carcinoid tumors.

About 10 million [colorectal cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/colorectal-cancer) screenings were performed each year, resulting in a total of nearly 40 million tests in the United States. It is estimated that 1.6 percent of patients with a primary or metastatic colorectal cancer case will prove to have an occult tumor at the time of diagnosis of the primary tumor. Inappropriate testing, overtreatment, and cancer delay contribute to the morbidity of colorectal cancer in the United States.

There is a considerable amount of research being conducted investigating the causes and treatment of [colorectal cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/colorectal-cancer). A more detailed understanding of the progression of cancer from colorectal cancer will enable a more effective and successful therapy to be undertaken.

Common treatments for colorectal cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. More than 70% of all people with colorectal cancer are treated with curative intent (remission, cure) but no more than 20% will have an extended DFS ≥5 years despite optimal treatment. Patients with colorectal cancer should have a discussion with their doctors about the various available treatment options and the personal preferences and risks and benefits of their treatment options. The treatment chosen depends on tumour stage, histology, metastasis, patient preferences and comorbidities.

The incidence of [colorectal cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/colorectal-cancer)s is expected to rise as the world population ages, as there are currently no effective screening techniques capable of detecting the majority of cancers at an early stage.

There may be no clear path for any colon cancer signs. Patients with CRC may present with other gastrointestinal complaints in the early stages of disease. Rectal masses should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Patients with a history of aspirin sensitivity should be cautious as this disorder can be associated with the development of adenocarcinoma. The signs of colorectal cancer are best determined by a multidisciplinary approach to the patient that includes pathologist, gastroenterologist, gastrointestinal surgeon, oncologist, and the general practitioner.

The presence of a family member with CRC was the strongest predictor of CRC development among all other family members. No single genetic variant was associated with CRC development, suggesting a multi-factorial etiology.

The survival rate is low; less than 30% of the patients will survive 5 years after their diagnosis regardless of cancer stage, treatment or the patient's age.

On average colorectal cancer is fatal by the age of 85 and most of the patients (about 60%) die within 13 years, with most deaths occurring at a young age. The overall five-year survival rate in the UK is about 68%. If the mortality rates for colorectal cancer patients in England were to decrease by half and stay almost constant over the next 10 years a 3-year life expectancy of 83 years could be achieved.

There are many topics of interest for colorectal cancer research. There is a clear trend toward molecular diagnostics, personalized medicine and targeted treatment. As for treatment, the only area with no progress is the issue of metastasis. The recent findings about the role of the Wnt signaling pathway are being tested for their potential use. A more detailed understanding of angiopoietin-like signaling (including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor and Ephrin-E (EphrinB) Ephrin-F/EPH receptor interaction) is also worth mentioning.

Average age people gets colorectal cancer increased. The average for women is about 60 years old for colorectal cancer. In men the average is in the 30's. About half of all colorectal cancer cases are found during the first 3 generations after individuals are born. The average age of getting colorectal cancer was earlier than what was reported in the early 1900s but has been reported to be higher than in the early 1900s.