Colorectal cancer

Question 1

What is the prevalence of colorectal cancer in the UK?

Answer 1

fourth most common cancer in the UK

Question 2

Colorectal cancer highest risk factor

Answer 2

Increasing age - >50 years

Question 3

Colorectal cancer risk factors

Answer 3

• Family history of bowel cancer
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
• Diet (high in red and processed meat and low in fibre)
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Alcohol

Question 4

Colorectal cancer RED FLAGs

Answer 4

• Change in bowel habit (usually to more loose and frequent stools)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained abdominal pain
• Iron deficiency anaemia (microcytic anaemia with low ferritin)
• Abdominal or rectal mass on examination

Question 5

2WW referral criteria

Answer 5

• Over 40 years with abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss
• Over 50 years with unexplained rectal bleeding
• Over 60 years with a change in bowel habit or iron deficiency anaemia