Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that can develop in any part of the colon or rectum. It affects millions of people each year and is one of the most common forms of cancer. The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, but it’s believed to be linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. In order to detect colorectal cancer early, regular screening is recommended starting at age 45 or earlier depending on your personal risk factors.
Table of Contents
What is Colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in either the colon or rectum, both of which are part of the digestive system. It is one of the most common types of cancer in the world and can be classified based on where the cancer is located. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, treatments can vary. This includes treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, medication, and surgery.
Colorectal cancer is a form of malignancy that originates in the large intestine cells. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Because of its prevalence, it is essential for everyone to understand the symptoms and risk factors, as well as options for treatment. In recent decades, medical science has made great strides in developing techniques that allow for early detection and effective intervention for colorectal cancer.
What are Polyps?
On the interior of your intestines, there are growths. While the majority of them are benign, some, if left untreated, might develop into colorectal cancer. Adenomas and hyperplastic polyps are the two most typical forms of intestinal polyps. They develop when there are issues with the colon’s lining cells’ ability to grow and mend.
What are the Symptoms?
It’s crucial to be tested because there are no early indicators of this. Early detection makes it more treatable. You can see blood in your stools or have stomach discomfort, constipation or diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or exhaustion as the condition worsens.
When these symptoms first arise, tumors are frequently larger and more difficult to cure.
Early on in the illness, colon cancer is often symptomless in many patients. Depending on the size and location of cancer in your large intestine, symptoms may differ when they do.
Risk Factors of Colorectal cancer
Try to stay away from these things to reduce your risk of contracting the illness:
consumption of a lot of red, processed, or highly-heated meats
Obesity (having too much fat around the waist) (having too much fat around the waist)
Not working out enough Smoking and drinking excessively
Your risk of colon cancer might greatly rise if you have certain gene mutations that have been handed down through your family. The majority of colon cancers are not caused by inherited genes. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, often known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, are the two most prevalent genetic diseases that increase the chance of developing colon cancer (HNPCC).
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. It is a malignant tumor that grows in the tissues of the colon and rectum. This form of cancer starts with benign polyps that grow on the inner lining of the digestive system and, if left untreated, can progress to malignant tumors. Luckily, this condition is highly treatable when caught early.
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon and the rectum. Most of those affected are over 50 years old, and almost 90% of this cases occur in adults over 50. Risk factors include age, lifestyle factors such as a diet high in red and processed meats, obesity, smoking, and a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.