INFORMATION ON COLORECTAL CANCER

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. This cancer that starts in the colon or
rectum. the second leading cause of death among cancers in the Western world.

CAUSES OF COLORECTAL CANCER
Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. Polyps are mushroom-like growths that are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. Polyps can occur any where in the large intestine.

SYMPTOMS OF COLORECTAL CANCER

1. Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
2. Abdominal pain
3. Change in bowel habits
4. Unexplained weight loss.


RISK FACTOR INVOLVED IN COLORECTAL CANCER
Certain factors increase a person's risk of developing the disease. These include :

1. Colon and rectal cancers can occur at any age, and no one is too young to develop colorectal cancer. However the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age.
2. Polyps of the colon, particularly adenomatous polyps, are a risk factor for colon cancer.
3. Individuals having diet which is low in fiber and high in fats, are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
4. Smoking. Smokers are more likely to die of colorectal cancer than non-smokers.
Hereditary

DIAGNOSIS OF COLORECTAL CANCER
There are several different tests available for the diagnosis of the disease
1. Blood test
2. Digital rectal exam
3. Fecal occult blood test
4. Colonoscopy. This procedure is the most sensitive test for colon cancer, rectal cancer and polyps.

TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL CANCER

The treatment depends on the staging of the cancer. When colorectal cancer is caught at early stages it can be curable. However when it is detected at later stages it is less likely to be curable. Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be recommended.