Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It begins as small polyps that can turn cancerous over time. Colorectal cancers are often highly treatable detected if they are detected early.
Understanding colorectal cancer, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help in early diagnosis and better outcomes. This article explains everything about colorectal cancer, including its types, stages, risk factors, and available treatments.
Types of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer can be classified into different types based on the cells where the cancer starts.
- Adenocarcinoma: The most common type, accounting for nearly 95% of all colorectal cancer cases. It starts in the mucus-producing glands of the colon or rectum.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): These rare tumours develop in the digestive tract’s connective tissues and may require targeted therapy.
- Lymphomas: Though rare, these cancers originate in the immune system cells within the colon or rectum.
- Carcinoid Tumors: Slow-growing tumours that start in hormone-producing cells of the digestive system.
Stages of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is categorised into different stages based on how much it has spread.
- Stage I: Cancer is still limited to the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Surgery is often effective at this stage.
- Stage II: Cancer has grown into deeper layers but has not spread to lymph nodes. Treatment includes surgery and, in some cases, chemotherapy.
- Stage III: Cancer has advanced a bit and has spread to nearby lymph nodes but still hasn’t affected the distant organs. Treatment often involves surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation.
- Stage IV: At the terminal stage, the cancer has already spread to other organs like the liver, lungs, stomach, etc. At this stage, it is often not possible to cure the cancer completely. Instead, the treatment focuses on controlling the disease and improving the quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms of colorectal cancer can appear to be signs of general gastric discomfort, which makes it hard to diagnose at an early stage. Common signs include:
- Changes in Bowel Habits: Persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or stool consistency changes that last several weeks.
- Blood in Stool: Bright red or dark-coloured blood may be visible in the stool, indicating bleeding in the digestive tract.
- Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Cramps, bloating, or pain in the lower abdomen that does not go away.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight faster than usual may indicate advanced colorectal cancer.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Low energy levels, often due to anaemia caused by internal bleeding.
Understanding Risk Factors and Causes
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. While some risks cannot be changed, lifestyle choices can always be helpful to lower the risks.
- Age Factor: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, especially after 50.
- Family History: Individuals with a close relative who had colorectal cancer have a higher risk.
- Dietary Habits: A diet high in red or processed meats and low in fibre may increase the risk.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Being inactive for long periods can contribute to colorectal cancer.
- Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Both habits increase the risk of many cancers, including colorectal cancer.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can increase the likelihood of colorectal cancer.
How to Detect and Diagnose Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed through different tests and screenings. Early detection improves treatment options and outcomes.
- Colonoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the colon to detect polyps or cancerous growths.
- Stool Tests: These tests detect hidden blood or DNA markers in stool samples, which may indicate colorectal cancer.
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): A non-invasive imaging test that creates detailed pictures of the colon and rectum.
- Biopsy: If abnormal tissue is found, a sample is taken for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of cancer.
How Do You Treat Colorectal Cancer?
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage, location, and overall health of the patient. The main treatment options include:
- Surgery: This is the most common treatment, especially in the early stages. It involves removing the tumour and surrounding tissues to prevent the spread of cancer.
- Chemotherapy: Specific cancer-killing drugs kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It is often used before or after surgery to reduce the chances of recurrence.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells. It is mainly used for rectal cancer to shrink tumours before surgery.
- Targeted Therapy: This is one of the most advanced cancer treatment methods focusing on specific molecules that help cancer cells grow. It is used for advanced colorectal cancer cases.
- Immunotherapy: Like targeted therapy, immunotherapy is a recently developed method that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. It is mainly used for colorectal cancers with specific genetic changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
While colorectal cancer cannot always be prevented, making healthy lifestyle choices can lower the risk. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, avoiding smoking, and getting regular screenings help in early detection and prevention.
Amerix Cancer Hospital is one of the top choices for colorectal cancer treatment in Delhi. It hosts cutting-edge technology, a multidisciplinary team of specialists, and personalized care. It is determined to offer world-class treatments to patients with compassionate care.
Amerix Cancer Hospital offers a wide range of services, from advanced diagnostics like colonoscopy and genetic testing to the latest treatments such as robotic surgery and targeted therapy.
Colorectal cancer can run in families, but not all cases are hereditary. Having a close relative with colorectal cancer increases the risk. Genetic testing and early screenings are recommended for individuals with a strong family history.
The survival rate depends on the stage of diagnosis. Early-stage colorectal cancer has a high survival rate, while advanced stages are more challenging to treat. Advances in medical treatments have improved survival outcomes.
References
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staged.html
