10 Things to Know about Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is most commonly known as colon cancer, which refers as cancer of the large intestine or color and this is found in the lower area of the digestive system. Cancer in the rectum is also considered as colorectal cancer. Let’s talk more about colon or colorectal cancer below.

Advertisements

1. Starts as Small Polyps

This cancer begins as benign, technically as non-cancerous cells termed as adenomatous polyps. They are small in size that has the potential to become colon cancers. Once they become cancerous, general and specific symptoms occur.

2. Produces Various Symptoms

Colon cancer has different signs and symptoms. It includes a change in bowel movements (i.e. constipation and diarrhea), bleeding in the rectum or stool, abdominal pain and cramps, fatigue and unexplained or sudden weight loss. Like other cancer types, they symptoms of colon cancer vary depends on the size and location of the cancer. What’s worse is that at early stages, the symptoms are not yet felt or experienced.

3. Requires Screening

Colon cancer screening test is necessary once the general symptoms are experienced. The process to diagnose and verify if a person has this cancer includes colonoscopy. It is important to get screening to detect the cancer and be given proper procedure to treat it.

4. Demands More Screening and Exams

Depending on the case, if you go see a doctor, you may be recommended to undergo one or more screening tests. It is possible that you have other risk factors that must be addressed, and these are diagnosed in different forms.

5. Spreads from the Colon to the Rectum

There is no specific cause of how colon cancer begins. Yet, it can be easily identified when the colon and rectum are affected. The cancerous cells can grow and spread to the lining of the intestine as well. They may still be pre-cancerous, but after several years, the cells become too abnormal and cancerous.

6. Prevents Growth and Spreading

The good news is that when the cells are still precancerous, which usually form as clumps or polyps, they can be prevented from being cancerous. The medical procedure is to remove those polyps through surgery.

7. Treats the Cancer

If it has become cancerous, there are still procedures to cure and treat the disease. The usual methods are surgery, radiation and therapy. It is better if the cancer is detected early to increase the possibility of effective and successful treatment.

8. Involves Many Risk Factors

Advertisements

There are plenty of risk factors of colon cancer. It may be inherited from a family member who has been diagnosed with the cancer. Generally, people who are 50 years old and above are diagnosed with colon cancer. It is rare for younger ages to have this cancer. When it comes to race, most cases are from people who are African-American. Others include inflammatory intestinal conditions, inherited syndromes that are linked and can increase the risk of colon cancer, high fat diet or low fiber diet, diabetes, smoking and alcohol drinking, and obesity.

9. Entails to See Specialists

If you experience symptoms of colon cancer, there are specific types of doctors to consult with. The first physician must be expert in treating digestive diseases and he is called as gastroenterologist. The second one is an oncologist, a doctor who treats cancer. It can also be a radiation oncologist, a physician who specializes in radiation to treat cancer including colon cancer. One more thing is a surgeon, who basically removes cancer through surgical procedure.

10. Recommends Healthy Lifestyle and Habit

Colon cancer is one serious disease that helps us realize just how important it is to keep your body healthy. The best and most basic way to really prevent this cancer is to eat the right kinds of foods, avoid bad habits and exercise more.

These ten things about colorectal or colon cancer are facts and truths. They are not based on pure opinions. It means that this cancer really exists and can happen to you. It is best to stay away from cancers and other deadly diseases if you know how to take care of yourself, or your body.

Next post:

Previous post: