What are prostate cancer and colon cancer? Prostate cancer and colon cancer are two of the most common types of cancer. Although the two conditions share similarities, such as certain risk factors for their development, they also have many differences. This affects how both conditions are diagnosed and treated. The prostate is a small glandular organ about the size of a walnut, located below the bladder, covering the beginning of the urethra. The prostate produces a secretion that becomes part of the seminal fluid. The prostate gland also plays a role in hormone production and helps regulate urine flow. The colon reabsorbs fluids back into the body, preparing stool to exit the anus through bowel movements. Because the colon connects to the rectum, many doctors group cancers affecting these areas together using the term colorectal carcinoma. What is the relationship between prostate cancer and colon cancer? There may be a connection between these two cancers. Patients who have or have had prostate cancer in the past are more likely to develop colorectal carcinoma or precancerous changes in the colon. A 2016 study found that prostate cancer patients are at higher risk of advanced abnormalities in the colon. Similarly, a 2017 study found that men diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. In addition, genetic predisposition and family history may play a role in the development of both types of cancer and in some cases may increase the likelihood of developing both types of cancer. For example, Lynch syndrome is a common cause of colorectal cancer, and evidence suggests that the condition may also increase the risk of other cancers, including prostate cancer. What are the Similarities Between Prostate Cancer and Colon Cancer? Some similarities between prostate cancer and colon cancer may include: Risk factors Both types of cancer share some risk factors. For example, the risk of both colorectal cancer and prostate cancer increases with age. Evidence suggests that family history (cases of the disease in a family) and ethnicity may also have an impact on the risk of developing both diseases. In addition, conditions such as Lynch syndrome are also associated with both types of cancer. Studies have shown that patients who undergo radiotherapy for prostate cancer may be at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer as a secondary cancer (metastases). In addition, factors such as diet, smoking and obesity can also affect the risk of developing both conditions. Occurrence Like prostate cancer,and colon cancer are common conditions and common causes of cancer-related death. Diagnosis and Treatment Options Diagnosing cancer may involve imaging tests and taking tissue biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, tests for certain markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or prostate-specific antigen (PSA), may be performed to help with the diagnosis. Some treatment options for the two types of cancer may also be similar, such as using chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some cases, both types of cancer may require surgery to remove areas of the prostate or colon that are affected. What are the differences between prostate cancer and colon cancer? While the two types of cancer share common elements, there are many important differences between them, including: Who they affect Colon cancer can affect anyone, but prostate cancer only occurs in men. However, women have structures with a similar function to the prostate, called Skene’s glands, which, although extremely rare, can be affected by cancer. Age The age range of those affected by both types of cancer can also vary. Colon cancer risk may occur at a slightly younger age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 45 consider screening for colorectal cancer. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men. The CDC recommends that men ages 55-69 discuss screening with a doctor. Symptoms Although some cancer symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may overlap with the two conditions, the defining symptoms between the two types of cancer differ. For example, colorectal cancer can cause symptoms affecting the bowels, such as: Change in bowel habits; Constipation; Diarrhea; Blood in or on the stool; A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels (feeling of incomplete bowel movement); Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps. Prostate cancer can cause symptoms affecting urination and ejaculation, such as: Difficulty urinating or starting to urinate; Weak stream of urine when urinating; Difficulty emptying the bladder when urinating; Pain or burning during urination; Very frequent urination, especially at night; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Pain in the back, hips or pelvis. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer 2. American Cancer Society (ACS). Common cancer types 3. American Cancer Society (ACS). Age and cancer risk 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ko, SH, et al. (2016). Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced colorectal neoplasms.Diagnosis and Treatment Options Diagnosing cancer may involve imaging studies and taking tissue biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, tests for certain markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or prostate-specific antigen (PSA), may be performed to help with the diagnosis. Some treatment options for the two types of cancer may also be similar, such as using chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some cases, both types of cancer may require surgery to remove areas of the prostate or colon that are affected. What are the differences between prostate cancer and colon cancer? While the two types of cancer share common elements, there are many important differences between them, including: Who they affect Colon cancer can affect anyone, but prostate cancer only occurs in men. However, women have structures with a similar function to the prostate, called Skene’s glands, which, although extremely rare, can be affected by cancer. Age The age range of those affected by both types of cancer can also vary. Colon cancer risk may occur at a slightly younger age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 45 consider screening for colorectal cancer. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men. The CDC recommends that men ages 55-69 discuss screening with a doctor. Symptoms Although some cancer symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may overlap with the two conditions, the defining symptoms between the two types of cancer differ. For example, colorectal cancer can cause symptoms affecting the bowels, such as: Change in bowel habits; Constipation; Diarrhea; Blood in or on the stool; A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels (feeling of incomplete bowel movement); Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps. Prostate cancer can cause symptoms affecting urination and ejaculation, such as: Difficulty urinating or starting to urinate; Weak stream of urine when urinating; Difficulty emptying the bladder when urinating; Pain or burning during urination; Very frequent urination, especially at night; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Pain in the back, hips or pelvis. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer 2. American Cancer Society (ACS). Common cancer types 3. American Cancer Society (ACS). Age and cancer risk 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ko, SH, et al. (2016). Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced colorectal neoplasms.Diagnosis and Treatment Options Diagnosing cancer may involve imaging studies and taking tissue biopsies to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, tests for certain markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or prostate-specific antigen (PSA), may be performed to help with the diagnosis. Some treatment options for the two types of cancer may also be similar, such as using chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some cases, both types of cancer may require surgery to remove areas of the prostate or colon that are affected. What are the differences between prostate cancer and colon cancer? While the two types of cancer share common elements, there are many important differences between them, including: Who they affect Colon cancer can affect anyone, but prostate cancer only occurs in men. However, women have structures with a similar function to the prostate, called Skene’s glands, which, although extremely rare, can be affected by cancer. Age The age range of those affected by both types of cancer can also vary. Colon cancer risk may occur at a slightly younger age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 45 consider screening for colorectal cancer. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men. The CDC recommends that men ages 55-69 discuss screening with a doctor. Symptoms Although some cancer symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may overlap with the two conditions, the defining symptoms between the two types of cancer differ. For example, colorectal cancer can cause symptoms affecting the bowels, such as: Change in bowel habits; Constipation; Diarrhea; Blood in or on the stool; A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels (feeling of incomplete bowel movement); Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps. Prostate cancer can cause symptoms affecting urination and ejaculation, such as: Difficulty urinating or starting to urinate; Weak stream of urine when urinating; Difficulty emptying the bladder when urinating; Pain or burning during urination; Very frequent urination, especially at night; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Pain in the back, hips or pelvis. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer 2. American Cancer Society (ACS). Common cancer types 3. American Cancer Society (ACS). Age and cancer risk 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ko, SH, et al. (2016). Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced colorectal neoplasms.to help with diagnosis. Some treatment options for the two types of cancer may also be similar, such as using chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some cases, both types of cancer may require surgery to remove areas of the prostate or colon that are affected. What are the differences between prostate cancer and colon cancer? While the two types of cancer share common elements, there are many important differences between them, including: Who they affect Colon cancer can affect anyone, but prostate cancer only occurs in men. However, women have structures with a similar function to the prostate, called Skene’s glands, which, although extremely rare, can be affected by cancer. Age The age range of those affected by both types of cancer can also vary. Colon cancer risk may occur at a slightly younger age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 45 consider screening for colorectal cancer. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men. The CDC recommends that men ages 55-69 discuss screening with a doctor. Symptoms Although some cancer symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may overlap with the two conditions, the defining symptoms between the two types of cancer differ. For example, colorectal cancer can cause symptoms affecting the bowels, such as: Change in bowel habits; Constipation; Diarrhea; Blood in or on the stool; A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels (feeling of incomplete bowel movement); Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps. Prostate cancer can cause symptoms affecting urination and ejaculation, such as: Difficulty urinating or starting to urinate; Weak stream of urine when urinating; Difficulty emptying the bladder when urinating; Pain or burning during urination; Very frequent urination, especially at night; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Pain in the back, hips or pelvis. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer 2. American Cancer Society (ACS). Common cancer types 3. American Cancer Society (ACS). Age and cancer risk 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ko, SH, et al. (2016). Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced colorectal neoplasms.to help with diagnosis. Some treatment options for the two types of cancer may also be similar, such as using chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In some cases, both types of cancer may require surgery to remove areas of the prostate or colon that are affected. What are the differences between prostate cancer and colon cancer? While the two types of cancer share common elements, there are many important differences between them, including: Who they affect Colon cancer can affect anyone, but prostate cancer only occurs in men. However, women have structures with a similar function to the prostate, called Skene’s glands, which, although extremely rare, can be affected by cancer. Age The age range of those affected by both types of cancer can also vary. Colon cancer risk may occur at a slightly younger age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 45 consider screening for colorectal cancer. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men. The CDC recommends that men ages 55-69 discuss screening with a doctor. Symptoms Although some cancer symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may overlap with the two conditions, the defining symptoms between the two types of cancer differ. For example, colorectal cancer can cause symptoms affecting the bowel, such as: Change in bowel habits; Constipation; Diarrhea; Blood in or on the stool; A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels (feeling of incomplete bowel movement); Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps. Prostate cancer can cause symptoms affecting urination and ejaculation, such as: Difficulty urinating or starting to urinate; Weak stream of urine when urinating; Difficulty emptying the bladder when urinating; Pain or burning during urination; Very frequent urination, especially at night; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Pain in the back, hips or pelvis. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer 2. American Cancer Society (ACS). Common cancer types 3. American Cancer Society (ACS). Age and cancer risk 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ko, SH, et al. (2016). Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced colorectal neoplasms.but prostate cancer only occurs in men. However, women have structures with a similar function to the prostate, called Skene’s glands, which, although extremely rare, can be affected by cancer. Age The age range of those affected by both types of cancer can also vary. Colon cancer risk may occur at a slightly younger age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 45 consider screening for colorectal cancer. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men. The CDC recommends that men ages 55-69 discuss screening with a doctor. Symptoms Although some cancer symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may overlap with the two conditions, the defining symptoms between the two types of cancer differ. For example, colorectal cancer can cause symptoms affecting the bowels, such as: Change in bowel habits; Constipation; Diarrhea; Blood in or on the stool; A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels (feeling of incomplete bowel movement); Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps. Prostate cancer can cause symptoms affecting urination and ejaculation, such as: Difficulty urinating or starting to urinate; Weak stream of urine when urinating; Difficulty emptying the bladder when urinating; Pain or burning during urination; Very frequent urination, especially at night; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Pain in the back, hips or pelvis. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer 2. American Cancer Society (ACS). Common cancer types 3. American Cancer Society (ACS). Age and cancer risk 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ko, SH, et al. (2016). Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced colorectal neoplasms.but prostate cancer only occurs in men. However, women have structures with a similar function to the prostate, called Skene’s glands, which, although extremely rare, can be affected by cancer. Age The age range of those affected by both types of cancer can also vary. Colon cancer risk may occur at a slightly younger age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 45 consider screening for colorectal cancer. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men. The CDC recommends that men ages 55-69 discuss screening with a doctor. Symptoms Although some cancer symptoms, such as fatigue and weight loss, may overlap with the two conditions, the defining symptoms between the two types of cancer differ. For example, colorectal cancer can cause symptoms affecting the bowels, such as: Change in bowel habits; Constipation; Diarrhea; Blood in or on the stool; A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels (feeling of incomplete bowel movement); Abdominal pain and abdominal cramps. Prostate cancer can cause symptoms affecting urination and ejaculation, such as: Difficulty urinating or starting to urinate; Weak stream of urine when urinating; Difficulty emptying the bladder when urinating; Pain or burning during urination; Very frequent urination, especially at night; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Pain in the back, hips or pelvis. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer 2. American Cancer Society (ACS). Common cancer types 3. American Cancer Society (ACS). Age and cancer risk 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ko, SH, et al. (2016). Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced colorectal neoplasms.Prostate cancer can cause symptoms affecting urination and ejaculation, such as: Difficulty urinating or starting to urinate; Weak stream of urine when urinating; Difficulty emptying the bladder when urinating; Pain or burning during urination; Very frequent urination, especially at night; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Pain in the back, hips or pelvis. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer 2. American Cancer Society (ACS). Common cancer types 3. American Cancer Society (ACS). Age and cancer risk 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ko, SH, et al. (2016). Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced colorectal neoplasms.Prostate cancer can cause symptoms affecting urination and ejaculation, such as: Difficulty urinating or starting to urinate; Weak stream of urine when urinating; Difficulty emptying the bladder when urinating; Pain or burning during urination; Very frequent urination, especially at night; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Pain in the back, hips or pelvis. References: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer 2. American Cancer Society (ACS). Common cancer types 3. American Cancer Society (ACS). Age and cancer risk 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Ko, SH, et al. (2016). Prostate cancer patients may have an increased risk of coexisting advanced colorectal neoplasms.