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Colon cancer occurs , in general , due to change in a group of healthy cells . Healthy cells grow and divide through coordinated mechanism depending on a regular basis to grantee that body work and performance of his duties are normal and healthy .
But in some cases, cell growth and division process out of control , continuing to divide and multiply even without need for such a large number of cells . This excessive increase in the number ( quantity ) of cells in the colon and rectum area can be accompanied by the production of potential carcinogenesic cells within the inner lining of the colon.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages because the cancer is very small. Symptoms often appear once a tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as colorectal cancer.
See your doctor if you have these symptoms:
- diarrhea
- constipation
- stool that looks narrower than usual
- feeling like the bowel is not completely empty after a bowel movement
- blood in the stool (it can be bright or very dark red)
- bleeding from the rectum
- gas, cramping, bloating and feeling full
- pain or discomfort in the rectum
- a lump in the abdomen or rectum
- fatigue and weakness
- anemia, which may cause fatigue and shortness of breath
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- blockage in the intestine (called bowel obstruction), which may cause pain in the abdomen
- a tear or hole in the intestine (called bowel perforation), which may cause widespread infection (called sepsis)
- frequent urinary tract infections
- swollen lymph nodes
- enlarged liver (called hepatomegaly)
- jaundice (a condition in which the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow and urine is dark yellow)
- buildup of fluid in the abdomen (called ascites)
- pain in the abdomen, buttocks or leg.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer
A risk factor is something that increases the risk of developing cancer. It could be a behaviour, substance or condition. Most cancers are the result of many risk factors. But sometimes colorectal cancer develops in people who don’t have any of the risk factors described below.
Most people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over the age of 50, and the risk increases with age. More men than women develop colorectal cancer. The number of cases of colorectal cancer is highest in North America, northwestern Europe and Australia. The less industrialized countries in Asia, Africa and South America have lower rates of colorectal cancer.
Risk factors are generally listed in order from most to least important. But in most cases, it is impossible to rank them with absolute certainty.
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of colorectal cancer
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Lynch syndrome
- Polyps in the colon and rectum
- Rare genetic conditions
- Not being physically active
- Being overweight or obese
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Eating a diet high in red meat
- Eating processed meat
- Diet low in fibre
- Sedentary behaviour
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Diabetes
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
- Personal history of breast, ovarian or uterine cancer
- Tall adult height
- Cooking meat at high temperatures
- Exposure to ionizing radiation
Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer
Diagnosing colorectal cancer usually begins with a visit to your family doctor. Your doctor will ask you about any symptoms you have and may do a physical exam. Based on this information, your doctor may refer you to a specialist or order tests to check for colorectal cancer or other health problems.
The process of diagnosis may seem long and frustrating. It’s normal to worry, but try to remember that other health conditions can cause similar symptoms as colorectal cancer. It’s important for the healthcare team to rule out other reasons for a health problem before making a diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
The following tests are commonly used to rule out or diagnose colorectal cancer. Many of the same tests used to diagnose cancer are used to find out the stage, which is how far the cancer has progressed. Your doctor may also order other tests to check your general health and to help plan your treatment.
- Health history and physical exam
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood chemistry tests
- Stool tests
- Double-contrast barium enema
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Biopsy
- Cell and tissue studies
- Digital rectal exam (DRE)
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- Chest x-ray
- PET-CT scan
Treatment options:
In cancer care, different types of doctors often work together to create a patient’s overall treatment plan that usually includes or combines different types of treatments. This is called a multidisciplinary team. For colorectal cancer, this generally includes a surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in the function and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Cancer care teams also include a variety of other health care professionals, including physician assistants, oncology nurses, social workers, pharmacists, counselors, dietitians, and others.
Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Your care plan may also include treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care. Take time to learn about all of your treatment options and be sure to ask questions about things that are unclear. Also, talk about the goals of each treatment with your doctor and what you can expect while receiving the treatment. Learn more about making treatment decisions.
Colon Cancer Prevention
Certain lifestyle choices may decrease your chances of getting colon cancer. Try to:
- Have regular screening tests
- Stay at a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables
- Avoid cigarettes and alcohol .
- Asprin & NSAIDs proved to play role in cancer colon prevention.
