Colorectal
Cancer is the medical term for any cancers that are found in the large intestine. This is the lower part of the digestive
tract. These cancers can occur in the part of the large intestine next to the small intestine, called the cecum. Most often,
they occur in the main part of the large intestine, known as the colon. Occasionally, they occur in the lowest part of the
large intestine, called the rectum.
Colorectal cancers are the third most common form of cancer in the Western world. The odds of beating Colorectal Cancer
are much better when the disease is detected early. That's why it's important to know the warning signs and risk
factors. Some of the warning signs for Colorectal Cancer include a change in bowel habits, bloody stools, unexplained
weight loss, and anemia. Some risk factors for Colorectal Cancer include age (most cases occur in the 60's and 70's),
a history of cancer and a history of smoking. Other risk factors include a long-standing disease of the colon such as
Crohn's disease
Would you like more information about the warning signs of colorectal cancer, or colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis?
Download the free
A Patient's Guide to Understanding Colorectal Cancer
brochure. And be sure to visit our
Resources section for links to Colorectal Cancer Resources.
XELODA and Colorectal Cancer
XELODA is used to treat certain types of Colorectal Cancer. This includes cancer of the colon or rectum (Colorectal Cancer)
that has spread to other parts of the body. This is called
metastatic Colorectal Cancer.
You should know that in studies other medicines showed improved survival when they were taken together with
5-FU and
leucovorin.
In studies with XELODA, XELODA was no worse than 5-FU and leucovorin taken together. But it did not improve survival compared
to these 2 medicines.
XELODA can also be used to treat the adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment of Dukes' C colon cancer.
Adjuvant therapy is the standard
treatment approach for Dukes' C colon cancer (cancer that has spread to the
lymph nodes). This is when chemotherapy is given after
the tumor has been surgically removed.
In this section of XELODA.com, you can find out more about Colorectal Cancer and how it is diagnosed. You can also learn about
diagnostic tests and the types of treatments available, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. For the latest
information about Colorectal Cancer, browse the Web sites listed in our
Colorectal Cancer links.