What is colorectal cancer?
One of the leading cancer-related fatalities is due to colorectal cancer, which ranks second on the list of cancer-causing deaths worldwide. Over 1.9 million new cases and 930,000 deaths were recorded in 2020 due to colorectal cancer. The number of cases being reported is rapidly increasing. But what is colorectal cancer? What are the causes? Why is it so common? Let’s find out.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, also called bowel cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the digestive system. The colon, known as the large intestine, is the last part of the digestive tract, while the rectum is a lower part of the colon that connects to the anus. Colorectal cancer usually starts as small growths called polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. With time, some of these polyps may turn into cancer, especially if they are not found and removed early.
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What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer symptoms can be subtle, often resembling common digestive issues. However, recognizing these signs is crucial for early detection and treatment. Colorectal cancer symptoms are:
- Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool
- Rectal bleeding, either bright red or dark and tar-like
- Abdominal discomfort, characterized by cramps, pain or bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness, even with adequate rest
- Iron deficiency anemia due to chronic bleeding leads to fatigue, weakness and paleness
What are the causes and risk factors for colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, being a multi-etiological disease with complex etiology, follows from a mixture of genetic predispositions and environmental factors. While the exact cause remains unknown, a multifactorial etiology has been established to predispose to colorectal cancer.
- Genetic and environmental influence:
- Genetic Factors: Genetic alterations and inherited syndromes play a very crucial role in the etiology of colorectal cancer. About 10% of cases result from inherited genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis, which cause colorectal cancer susceptibility.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental exposures and lifestyle choices also affect the incidence of colorectal cancer. These risk factors include diet, physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol consumption, which may contribute to the development of the disease.
- Common Risk Factors:
- Age: Colorectal cancer risk increases as an individual ages and a majority of the cases are diagnosed in individuals over 50 years old. However, recent trends indicate that there is an increase in incidence rates among younger age groups. Therefore, this presents an opportunity for heightened awareness and screening among all age groups.
- Family History: People with a family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic syndromes have an increased risk of developing the disease. People whose first-degree relatives had colorectal cancer should undergo an earlier and more frequent rate of screening.
- Personal Medical History: A history of colon cancer or specific kinds of polyps places the individual at an increased risk of developing the disease. Secondly, inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and other medical histories linked to long-standing and active involvement of these diseases are associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Lifestyle Choices: Modifiable lifestyle choices like poor diets, processed meats, low fruit and vegetable intake, a lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking and a higher intake of alcohol are risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. The best approach to controlling such risk factors by altering lifestyle habits is to embrace a healthy lifestyle characterized by regular physical activity and a balanced diet that is high in fiber and nutrients.
Survival Rates and Prognosis
Healthcare providers worldwide have made great strides in the treatment of colon cancer. Based on information from sources including national cancer institutes, more than 90 percent of individuals diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer survive five years following diagnosis. Survival rates can vary widely based on factors, but, overall, about 65 percent of all colorectal cancer patients can survive five years after diagnosis.
Emergency Care and Seeking Help
It’s very important to understand when emergency care should be sought by an individual undergoing colon cancer treatment. Severe side effects, such as high fever, persistent chills, abdominal pain or dehydration, may be an indication to seek an immediate visit to healthcare providers.
Increased awareness and screening efforts have led to more cases of colon cancer being detected and treated prior to the appearance of symptoms and the progression of the disease. Recent advances in targeted treatments have benefited individuals with colon cancer and further enhanced their outcomes. Active discussions with healthcare providers regarding treatment options and continuous education about new therapies will further support good outcomes and quality of life for colon cancer victims.
About Author
Dr. A. Venugopal
MD (General Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology), MRCP – SCE Medical Oncology (UK), ECMO (Switzerland).
Dr A. Venugopal is One of the best medical oncologist and Hemato Oncologist in hyderabad, currently serving as the Head of the Department and Senior Medical Oncologist, Hemato Oncologist at Pi Health Cancer Hospital in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. He brings over 15 years of extensive experience in the field of Oncology.