Colorectal Cancer: What You Need To Know

What is Colorectal Cancer (Colon Cancer)?

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), colorectal cancer (commonly called colon cancer or rectal cancer) is a type of tumour that develops in the colon and rectum, which are both parts of the large intestine. It is the first leading cause of death for cancer in men and the second leading cause of death from cancer in women in Malaysia.

Is Colorectal Cancer Dangerous?

Colorectal cancer is a serious and dangerous disease. This type of cancer develops when healthy cells of the body become abnormal, forming a growth called polyps that is often small and non-cancerous. 

When pre-cancerous polyps start to develop, they can cause cancerous tumours to form on the lining of the colon and rectum, which can then spread to other parts of the body.

Over time as colon cancer cells spread, these tumours can grow larger and become more invasive, leading to a range of complications such as intestinal obstruction, blood loss, and pain.

Are You at Risk of Colorectal Cancer?

While anyone can develop colorectal cancer, certain lifestyle choices and medical conditions may increase the risk of colon cancer. Understanding colon cancer risk factors can help you take steps to protect yourself from this devastating illness. 

Common colorectal cancer risk factors include:

• Age

• Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps

• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis)

• Inherited Syndromes
  (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer)
  

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Lack of physical activity

• Excessive alcohol consumption

What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancers can cause a variety of symptoms that vary depending on the stage, size, and location of cancer in your large intestine. The most common early warning signs of colorectal cancer include:

• Blood in the stool

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation)

• Abdominal pain or discomfort 

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue or weakness

If you experience any of these symptoms or signs that are not stated, it is important to see your doctor for advice and testing for early detection.

How Do You Treat Colorectal Cancer?

Getting the right colon cancer treatment can help reduce the chances of recurrence or spread of the disease. There are many treatments for colorectal cancer. This usually depends on the cancer stage, from Stage I to Stage IV.

Colorectal Cancer can be treated with: 

• Surgery 
• Chemotherapy 
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy 
• Targeted therapy

While surgery is the most common treatment for early-stage colon cancer, a combination of treatment methods is sometimes used to treat colon cancer and provide the best chance of a successful recovery. In addition, you may also be given lifestyle advice and support during your treatment.

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Screening is an important step in early detection and preventing yourself from developing colorectal cancer. Screening tests can detect colon and rectal cancer in its early stages and polyps.

The most common screening tests for colorectal cancer are:

• Stool Tests like Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT)
• Colonoscopy or Virtual Colonoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy or Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Screening for colorectal cancer is an important way to decrease colorectal cancer mortality by detecting it before any symptoms occur.

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer is a serious and dangerous disease, but understanding the risk factors can help you take steps to protect yourself. Early detection through screening tests is important for reducing mortality rates associated with this illness. 

By being aware of your risks and taking preventive measures like regular screenings and healthy lifestyle choices you can significantly reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer.