Colorectal cancer comprises nearly 10% of all cancer cases globally.
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COLORECTAL CANCER Causes, symptoms and treatment
If you have colorectal cancer or are in the process of being diagnosed, it is understandable that you want to know the answers to many important questions. This article is written for the purpose of answering these questions and providing you with a concise and rounded overview of information on colorectal cancer.
WHAT CAUSES COLORECTAL CANCER AND WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?
Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease and one of the most common malignancies, accounting for almost 10 % of the incidence of all cancers in the world. It is called “colorectal” because it occurs in the large intestine (colon) and at its end (rectum). Depending on the site of origin, the expressions colon cancer or rectal cancer are also used.
Various studies suggest that the cause of colorectal cancer is a complex combination of multiple external factors and hereditary predispositions.
As a rule, it develops from adenomas, polyps that grow from the mucous membrane of the colon towards the intestinal interior. Adenomas are relatively common and initially benign, with a mushroom-like shape. However, over a period of five years or more, it is possible for them to become malignant. The probability of an adenoma becoming cancerous is less than 10 %.
What are the risks for colorectal cancer?
Hereditary predispositions mean that people with close relatives who have or have had colorectal cancer have a 2-4-times higher risk of developing the same condition. External risk-increasing factors are connected to eating habits that include foods such as processed meat and refined carbohydrates. This also includes specific habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and a lack of physical activity.
This is why colorectal cancer is sometimes said to be a “lifestyle” disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, the probability of getting colorectal cancer is slightly higher for men (4.4 %) than for women (4.1 %). The risk of colorectal cancer increases significantly with age, so almost 90 % of people with this condition are sixty or more years old. In addition, the risk is increased by the long-term presence of inflammatory bowel diseasessuch as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms and diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Symptoms of colorectal cancer are: frequent occurrence of blood in the stool, changes in bowel movements such as diarrhea and constipation, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, long periods of exhaustion and fatigue.
It is important to point out that these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have colorectal cancer, they can also be caused by other health issues. For example, the cause of blood in the stool may be hemorrhoids. However, in case you have some or all of these symptoms, it is important that you consult your doctor.
In the process of diagnosing colorectal cancer, the “golden standard” is colonoscopy.
In addition to being used for diagnostic purposes, colonoscopy can also remove polyps in the intestine for prevention. If colorectal cancer is detected, further tests include a CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging.
