Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

Colorectal cancer is a common yet complicated disease to understand due to its diverse nature and variety of initiating events. The complexity of colon cancer is attributed to the fact that the colon is divided into several functioning parts that serve the digestive system. This presentation takes a complex disease that is colorectal cancer and breaks down the individual layers by communicating the details in a manner that is easily understood to a general audience. To begin, the colon (large intestine) is explained in a healthy context. Once the healthy features are highlighted, this story continues by detailing the initiating events that can trigger tumor development. These initiating events include genetic factors, dietary routines, and environmental events. Diagnostic techniques are discussed as well as the staging system that is commonly ascribed to characterize colon cancer development. Different stages of colon cancer require different treatments. Therefore, attention is given to treatment options that are considered standard of care for the assigned stage of the tumor development. This presentation concludes with statistical information in regard to the prevalence of colon cancer among different populations and best practices to prevent colon cancer.