Colorectal Cancer
Irregular pain in your abdomen? This could be a sign of cancer related to the intestines.
Colorectal cancer, which affects the large intestine (colon and rectum), is becoming a serious health issue worldwide.
Colorectal cancer is a serious disease, but here’s the good news: if we catch it early, it can often be treated very successfully. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about this disease in easy-to-understand language. We’ll cover what causes it, the signs to look out for, how doctors check for it, and the available treatments.
Summary
Colorectal cancer happens when abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control, forming a tumor. It can cause changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and stomach pain. This condition can be diagnosed through screening tests and treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, depending on its stage.
- Causes
Colorectal cancer can develop due to a combination of genetic factors, age, and lifestyle choices. Some common causes include a diet high in red meat, lack of exercise, and family history.
- Symptoms
The symptoms often include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
- Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose colorectal cancer through tests like colonoscopy, biopsy, and blood tests. Early detection is critical for successful treatment.
Facts
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world.
- It usually begins as small lumps called polyps, which can become cancer over time.
- Men and women have an equal chance of getting colorectal cancer.
- Screening tests like colonoscopy can find this cancer early, even before symptoms start.
- Eating more fiber-rich foods and doing regular exercise can lower the risk of getting colorectal cancer.
Know More
- Colorectal cancer grows slowly and can take years to develop.
- It usually begins as harmless polyps on the inner wall of the colon or rectum.
- Regular screening, especially after 50 years of age, helps find these polyps early before they turn into cancer.
- If found early, colorectal cancer can be treated successfully, making early screening very important for saving lives.
Symptoms
- Changes in Bowel Habits
- Blood in the Stool
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Abdominal Pain
- Weakness or Fatigue
- Persistent Diarrhea or Constipation
- Feeling That the Bowel Doesn’t Empty Completely
- List ItemCramping or Bloating
- Narrow Stools
- Rectal Bleeding
Causes
- Age (Above 50)
- Family History
- Diet with Lots of Red or Processed Meat
- Low Fiber Diet
- Lack of Exercise
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Heavy Alcohol Use
- Type 2 Diabetes
Diagnosis
- Colonoscopy
- Biopsy
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
- CT Colonography
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Blood Tests
- Stool DNA Test
- Imaging Tests (CT, MRI)
- CEA Test
- Digital Rectal Exam
Treatments
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Ablation or Embolization
- Robotic Surgery
- Palliative Care
- Clinical Trials
- Lifestyle Changes
Treatment Options and Outcomes
It is important for patients and doctors to know about the different treatments for colorectal cancer. This table explains the main treatments, how they are used, their common side effects, and expected results, helping patients make better decisions.
| Treatment | Indications | Common Side Effects | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery | Early-stage cancer, localized tumors | Pain, infection, bowel changes | Potentially curative if localized |
| Chemotherapy | Advanced or metastatic cancer | Nausea, fatigue, hair loss | Can shrink tumors, prolong survival |
| Radiation Therapy | Rectal cancer or inoperable tumors | Skin irritation, fatigue, bowel issues | Tumor shrinkage, symptom control |
| Targeted Therapy | Advanced cancer with specific mutations | Diarrhea, high blood pressure, fatigue | Tumor control, slow progression |
| Immunotherapy | Advanced cancer with immune markers | Immune-related side effects (inflammation) | Long-term tumor control in some patients |
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What screening tests are appropriate for my age and risk factors?
- What are the side effects of the treatments you recommend?
- How can I lower my risk of developing colorectal cancer?
- Should my family members be tested if I am diagnosed?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to support my recovery?
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by
Dr. Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (G I cancer Surgeon)
Dr. Harsh Shah is a renowned GI and HPB Robotic Cancer Surgeon in Ahmedabad.
Reviewed by
Dr. Swati Shah
MS, DrNB (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Swati Shah is a Robotic Uro and Gynecological Cancer Surgeon in Ahmedabad.
Last Updated on 3 months by Dr Harsh & Swati Shah