31st December 2024

Sporadic colorectal cancer

Sporadic (95%) cases of colorectal cancer develop in those with no family history as a result of a sequence of genetic mutations or deletions. It is a relatively common cancer in those over 60 years of age, with the majority of cases arising from adenomas which transform into cancer over 1-2 decades.

Resection of the primary cancer and/or limited metastasis is usually done with curative intent. Chemoradiation in addition to surgery can improve outcome in some patients