Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in older men and women. Therefore, this age-related cancer is of particular importance to geriatricians. The high incidence of this cancer may be decreased by dietary modifications recommended by the American Cancer Society. Early cancer detection is important to improve survival. When colorectal cancer is detected in the asymptomatic patient, there is a high likelihood of cure. Therefore, screening individuals at high risk is a major goal. Because age is the leading risk factor for colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society has developed guidelines for screening individuals over age 40 years. Treatment decisions are based on stage of disease. For localized disease, surgical resection is the primary therapy. In advanced disease, palliative treatment may include the use of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these modalities. Because there is no evidence of an age effect, principles of treatment should be applied similarly in geriatric and younger patients.