Colorectal or colon cancer usually affects people over the age of 45 and occurs when colonic cells become uncontrolled – read on to learn about symptoms and risks.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Risks: Colorectal cancer is the sixth most frequent disease. It first manifests itself in the colon or rectum. Usually, this type of cancer develops from polyps that start in the colon. These polyps eventually transform into malignant cells. The DNA of healthy cells in the colon mutates, and the cells clump together to form a tumor. As they grow over time, these cancer cells invade nearby healthy tissue and cause destruction. It usually affects older people and occurs when colonic cells grow out of control. Colorectal cancer presents several symptoms and risk factors that can help in early detection.
To monitor the symptoms of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer symptoms vary from patient to patient in terms of size and location in the large intestine. Some people with colon cancer do not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
- Persistent change in bowel habits Diarrhea or constipation and changes in stool
- Blood or rectal bleeding stools
- Persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramping, gas or pain
- Fatigue or weight loss
Risks associated with colorectal cancer
- Age Eligible: While colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, it is most common in people over the age of 50.
- Personal history: If you already have colon cancer or non-cancerous polyps, you are at increased risk of developing colon cancer in the future.
- Inflammatory bowel conditions: These include diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that can increase your risk of colon cancer.
- Hereditary syndromes: A very small percentage of colon cancers are caused by inherited syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and Lynch syndrome.
- Family history: The risk of colorectal cancer increases if you have a blood relative who has had the disease. The risk is also higher if more than one family member has colon cancer.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: People who are inactive or eat a high-fat or low-fiber diet have an increased risk of colon cancer. Alcohol consumption and heavy smoking put you at greater risk.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent) have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- Obesity: People who are obese have an increased risk and less favorable outcomes than people of normal weight.
- Radiation therapy: This therapy increases the risk of colon cancer when directed at the stomach to treat earlier cancers
How can you protect yourself from colorectal cancer?
1. Screening: Colon cancer screening by conventional colonoscopy every 10 years after age 45 is recommended before any signs or symptoms develop. Doctors also perform several other tests, including:
- Colonoscopy: It is a type of screening where a colonoscope is used to obtain images of the colon and rectum. This method is considered the “gold standard” in colon cancer screening because of its accuracy and your doctor’s ability to remove growths at the same time.
- Virtual/CT Colonoscopy: In this method, doctors use a computed tomography (CT) scan once the colon is slightly swollen to provide clear pictures.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This uses a light and camera lens or sigmoidoscope to view the colon
- Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): This screening method uses light and a camera lens or sigmoidoscope to examine the bowel. Through this test, doctors can detect microscopic traces of blood that are not visible during a normal bowel movement at home.
2. DNA stool test: This helps analyze the stool sample for any genetic changes that may indicate colorectal cancer.
3. Lifestyle changes: Moderating your alcohol intake, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise are some of the preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of colon cancer.
(With IANS inputs)
