According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in both men and women in the United States. It is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the U.S., expected to cause over 50,000 deaths in 2018.
Despite its prevalence, the death rate for colorectal cancer has been dropping over the past few decades. One reason for this is more advanced screening methods for early detection. Still, colorectal cancer is pervasive and can happen to anyone. Let’s take a look at colorectal cancer signs and symptoms, treatments options, risk factors and more.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and is also referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer depending on the origin of the cancer. Despite where it’s located, these cancers are categorized together because the share many commonalties. The cancer begins when the cells in a person’s body grow out of control and begin to spread to other parts of the body.
Colorectal cancer often starts with a grown knows as a polyp. The polyp is often found in the lining of the rectum or colon and can sometimes be benign. There are two main types of polyps:
· Adenomas polyps – known as pre-cancerous conditions, because they sometimes morph into cancer
· Inflammatory or hyperplastic polyps – generally not pre-cancerous and common
The characteristics of the polyp found can determine someone’s risk of developing colorectal cancer based on the type, size and whether or not it spreads. If cancer grows in a polyp, the cells can begin to grow in the wall of the colon or rectum, beginning in the inner later and rising outwardly. How far the cancer has spread will determine the stage of cancer a person is diagnosed with.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms of colorectal cancer can also be attributed to other, non-life-threatening issues such as hemorrhoids, IBS or an infection. In some cases, people who exhibit the symptoms of colon cancer do not have cancer. And, in turn, others with colon cancer may not have it detected and treated early because they attribute their symptoms to something else. Common colorectal cancer symptoms include:
· Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
· Sudden onset of diarrhea, constipation, etc. that lasts more than a few days
· Abdominal cramping
· Fatigue
· Unexplained weight loss
Symptoms can often not present themselves until the cancer has spread, which is why colorectal specialists recommend screenings for those with a risk of developing colon cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors for colorectal cancer can increase a person’s chance of developing the disease based on certain genetic or lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer include:
· Being overweight or obese
· Physical inactivity
· Diets high in red meats or processed meats
· Smoking
· Heavy alcohol use
Additionally, there are colorectal cancer risk factors you cannot change, including:
· Age – colorectal cancer is more common in older adults
· A history of developing polyps
· Having an inflammatory bowel disease
· A family history of colorectal cancer
· Inherited genes
· Ethnic background
· Having type-2 diabetes
Colorectal Cancer Treatments
If you’ve been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, your doctor will discuss different options for treatment with you. These can include colorectal surgery, radiation, prescription drug treatments such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy. It’s important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor and your loved ones to determine the best course of action for you.
The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to make healthy lifestyle chances and engage in regular screenings once you’ve hit a certain age. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend you receive screenings earlier and more frequently. Technology and awareness have made early detection able to save many lives from colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor today to prevent colorectal cancer.