Fact:At least 6 out of every 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely.

Fact:The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011 about 141,210 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the US.

Fact:The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011 about 49,380 people died of colorectal cancer in the US.

Fact:Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer.

Fact:Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US.

Fact:Overall, 90% of new cases and 94% of deaths occur in individuals 50 and older.

Fact:Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest in African American men and women.

Fact:One of the most consistently reported relationships between colon cancer risk and behavior is the protective effect of physical activity.

Fact:The goals of screening for colorectal cancer are the prevention of cancer through the detection and removal of precancerous growths and the diagnosis of cancers at an early stage.

Diseases

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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IBD

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are members of the group of disorders called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, whereas Ulcerative Colitis affects only the colon. The inflammation affects only the innermost lining of the colon, but in Crohn’s disease, it can affect the entire thickness. Inflammation from Ulcerative Colitis occurs in a continuous process – there are no areas of normal intestine between the areas of diseased intestine. In contrast, “skip” areas may occur in Crohn’s disease.

In inflammatory bowel disease, there is an abnormal response by the body's immune system. Researchers believe that the immune system mistakes food, bacteria and other materials in the intestine for foreign or invading substances, and launches an attack. In the process, the body sends white blood cells into the lining of the intestines, where they produce chronic inflammation. These cells then generate harmful products that ultimately lead to ulcerations and bowel injury.

We do not yet know what causes this disease. Studies indicate that the inflammation in ulcerative colitis involves a complex interaction of factors: the genes the person has inherited, the immune system, and something in the environment. Foreign substances (antigens) in the environment may be the direct cause of the inflammation, or they may stimulate the body's defenses to produce an inflammation that continues without control. In patients with Ulcerative Colitis, once the patient's immune system is "turned on," it does not know how to properly "turn off.” As a result, inflammation damages the intestine and causes the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. One of the major goals of medical therapy is to help patients to better regulate their immune system.

It is estimated that as many as one million Americans have IBD -- with that number evenly split between Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Males and females appear to be affected equally. The usual age of diagnosis with Ulcerative Colitis is in the mid-30’s, although the disease can occur at any age. Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in their 50s and 60s. The incidence is greater in whites than non-whites, and a higher incidence is found in Jews than in non-Jews.

IBD tends to run in families. Studies have shown that up to 20 percent of patients with Ulcerative Colitis will have a close relative with either Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis. There is no way to predict which, if any, family members will develop IBD.

Research Trials
At Midwest Clinical Research, Gastroenterology Consultants offers many clinical trials, many of which include new medications for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease. The medications, office visits and procedures associated with these trials are free for patients. Please click on Active Trials to see if you might qualify to be enrolled in any of our ongoing clinical trials.

Colon Cancer
Having Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s disease that affects the colon increases the risk of developing colon cancer. More frequent screening colonoscopies are recommended.

Emotional Factors
There is no evidence to show that stress, anxiety, or tension is responsible for IBD. However, they may contribute to an exacerbation of the disease. Emotional distress that patients sometimes feel may be a reaction to the symptoms of the disease itself. Although formal psychotherapy is generally not necessary, some patients are helped considerably by speaking with a therapist who is knowledgeable about IBD or about chronic illness in general. Counseling services are available in the Quad Cities to help those dealing with Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis better deal with their emotions regarding their illness.