CyberKnife Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
A cancer diagnosis can be devastating – but no matter how serious the situation, there’s always hope. At Pasadena CyberKnife Center, our mission is to provide real hope in the fight against cancer through effective, convenient treatments. Our state-of-the-art cancer treatment clinic features the industry leading, noninvasive CyberKnife system: a revolutionary radiation therapy treatment that can eliminate cancer cells without the need for surgery. We can use CyberKnife to treat a wide range of cancers, including colorectal cancer – and to help you get more informed, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions about colorectal cancer alongside their answers.
Common Questions About Colorectal Cancer
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer refers to any cancerous tumor or growth that forms in the cells of the colon, intestine, rectum, or anus. Colorectal cancer most commonly forms in the intestine. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer for women and the third most common for men, making it a fairly widespread condition.
What causes colorectal cancer?
As with most cancers, scientists aren’t sure of the exact cause of colorectal cancer. However, research has uncovered a number of risk factors: variables that increase the likelihood of any one individual developing cancer within their lifetime. Risk factors aren’t a guarantee that you will or will not develop a cancerous condition, but they shed light on your individual probability of developing particular cancers. The risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Older age
- Personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer
- Certain inflammatory intestinal conditions
- Sedentary lifestyle
- A diet low in fiber and high in fats
- Heavy alcohol use
What are cancer polyps?
Polyps are precancerous growths that form in the intestine and generally precede the development of colon cancer. Polyps don’t always morph into cancer, but the presence of polyps indicates that cancer may form, and most doctors recommend removing polyps. Adults over 50 should receive regular colonoscopies to check for the growth of precancerous polyps and of colorectal cancer.
Can young people get colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is very uncommon in young people. While not impossible, it’s highly unlikely for a young person to develop colorectal cancer unless they have a strong family history of the condition or have a rare inherited condition called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, which causes anywhere from hundreds to thousands of precancerous polyps to form in the colon during the teenage years.
Does being lactose intolerant increase my risk of colon cancer?
There’s almost no evidence to support this, although some new studies suggest that dairy products may alter the microbiome of the colon to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. This isn’t an established conclusion, however, and generally speaking, there’s no link between being lactose intolerant and having a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Los Angeles, CA Radiation Therapy Clinic
Getting diagnosed with colorectal cancer – or any other form of cancer – can be one of life’s greatest challenges. But at Pasadena CyberKnife Center, our mission is to help you meet it. We’ll provide the state-of-the-art treatment and comprehensive support you need to beat cancer on your own terms so you can reclaim the healthy, normal life you deserve. Don’t wait another minute – contact us today.