COLORECTAL CANCER/POLYPS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

KNOWLEDGE – Students should know the following:

1. Deaths from colorectal cancer in the U.S. are decreasing and the 5-year survival rate is 62%. This decline is due to screening, early diagnosis, and improved therapy. Colorectal cancer still remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.
2. Colorectal carcinoma begins as adenomatous polyps of the colon/rectum.
3. Screening in asymptomatic patients at average risk for colorectal cancer should begin at age 50.    FOBT and sigmoidoscopy have proven benefit in prevention of cancer mortality.   Colonoscopy is becoming the screening procedure of choice.

SKILLS – Students should be able to demonstrate the following skills:

1. Obtain an accurate history and identify high-risk patients for colorectal cancer.
2. Perform a complete physical examination including a rectal exam & stool guiaic.
3. Know the appropriate procedures diagnostic workup when screening for colorectal cancer.

ATTITUDES AND PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIORS:

• Students should be able to realize the impact of colorectal cancer on the patient and the need for early diagnosis and intervention. High risk groups should be identified and aggressive screening undertaken.

RECOMMENDED READING:

1. Yamada, Tadataka.   Handbook of Gastroenterology . 2000, Chaps. 49 & 50 (The Medicine Education Office, 7604, has a copy of this reference.)