What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colon cancer and rectal cancer, collectively referred to as colorectal cancer (CRC), happens when the cells in the lining of the large intestine and rectum multiply and grow out of control.

Abnormal cells develop to first form polyps that can also turn into cancer.

The large intestine is part of the digestive tract and is responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from digested food. The remaining solid waste matter, referred to as stool, contains undigested food and other metabolic waste from the body. The stool moves to the rectum before it passes out from the body via the anus, in a process known as defecation.

Cancer can develop and start to invade through different parts of the intestine, such as the inner mucosal lining, through the walls of the intestine that help move food along, or in connective tissues like blood vessels and muscles.

Colorectal cancer tumors often go unnoticed until they become larger, as the early symptoms may seem mild and not a major cause for concern.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Sustained changes in bowel habits, such as constant constipation or diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Stomach cramps or discomfort
• Bloating and excessive gas/increased flatulence
• Unexplained weight loss
• Narrower or thinner stool
• Anemia
• Fatigue

While different combinations of these symptoms may indicate a different illness in the bowels, prolonged symptoms should be investigated to ascertain if a more serious condition is afoot. Consulting with a doctor as soon as possible will help you receive an accurate diagnosis and alleviate any uncertainties or worries moving forward.

As the third-leading cause of cancer death in both males and females and the second-leading cause of cancer death worldwide, colorectal cancer can become deadly if left undetected and untreated.

Different hereditary, lifestyle, and medical factors exacerbate the risk of developing cancerous tumors. These include:

• Family history of colorectal cancer
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• A diet high in red and processed meats
• Type 2 diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Formation of polyps, or tissue growth, in the large intestine

While the risk of colorectal cancer is higher in some than others, anyone can develop colorectal cancer. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment can increase the chances of survival and recovery. With timely and effective treatment, it is possible to overcome colorectal cancer and continue living a healthy life.

Screening is intended to detect cancers early and is only appropriate if a patient does not have symptoms. Patients who develop symptoms should proceed with the diagnostic test through a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies can be used both for screening and diagnosis.

The following tests can help detect the presence of polyps or cancerous tumors:

• Fecal occult blood test, which detects the presence of blood in the stool
• Colonoscopy, which examines the rectum and colon
• Sigmoidoscopy, which checks the rectum and lower part of the colon
• DNA stool test that tests for genetic changes in stool cells