When it comes to cancer, colorectal cancer is one of those conditions that many people prefer not to think about. But understanding this disease could literally save your life or the life of someone you care about. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States, yet it’s also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, which together make up the large intestine, or large bowel. The colon is the first part of the large intestine, about five feet long, while the rectum is the last six inches that connects to the anus.
Most colorectal cancers start as small, benign clumps of cells called polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous. This is why regular screening is so crucial; doctors can often find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 107,320 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States, and it causes approximately 52,000 deaths annually.
However, the death rate has been declining for several decades due to improved screening and treatment methods.
What are the warning signs?
One of the challenges with colorectal cancer is that early-stage disease often produces no symptoms at all. This is precisely why screening programs are so important. However, as the cancer progresses, symptoms may appear.
- Changes in bowel habits are often the first sign people notice. This might include persistent diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely. You might also notice changes in the consistency of your stool that last longer than four weeks.
- Blood in the stool is another significant warning sign. This can appear as bright red blood or very dark, tar-like stools. Sometimes the blood isn’t visible to the naked eye, which is why stool tests during routine screenings are so valuable.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, including cramps, gas, or pain that doesn’t go away, should also raise red flags. Many people experience occasional digestive discomfort, but persistent symptoms warrant medical attention.
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue are concerning symptoms that can indicate various health problems, including colorectal cancer. If you’re losing weight without trying or feeling unusually tired, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
- Weakness or fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest might be related to anemia caused by chronic blood loss from the tumor.
The keyword here is persistent.
We all have occasional digestive issues, but symptoms that continue for weeks or progressively worsen should prompt a conversation with a healthcare professional.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of colorectal cancer isn’t always clear, researchers have identified several factors that can increase your risk of developing the disease.
- Age is one of the most significant risk factors. About 90% of colorectal cancers occur in people over age 50, which is why screening typically begins at this age. However, rates have been increasing among younger adults in recent years, leading to updated screening recommendations.
- Family history plays a crucial role. If you have a parent, sibling, or child with colorectal cancer, your risk is higher. This is especially true if the cancer was diagnosed before age 50 or if multiple family members have been affected.
- Genetic factors account for about 5% to 10% of colorectal cancers. Conditions like Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) significantly increase cancer risk.
- Lifestyle factors also contribute to risk. A diet high in red meat and processed meats, low fiber intake, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking all increase your chances of developing colorectal cancer. Obesity and physical inactivity are additional risk factors.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can increase colorectal cancer risk, especially if you’ve had the condition for many years.
The Diagnosis Process
If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, your doctor will likely start with a thorough medical history and physical examination. But don’t worry, having symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. Many conditions can cause similar symptoms. Screening tests are the first line of defense. The gold standard is a colonoscopy, which allows doctors to examine the entire colon and rectum using a flexible tube with a camera. During this procedure, doctors can also remove polyps for testing.
Other screening options include fecal occult blood tests, which check for hidden blood in stool samples, and newer stool DNA tests that can detect genetic changes associated with cancer.
Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans help determine if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. These tests are crucial for staging the cancer and planning treatment.
A biopsy is the definitive way to diagnose cancer. During a colonoscopy, doctors can take tissue samples from suspicious areas for laboratory analysis.
Treatment Options
Colorectal cancer treatment has improved dramatically over the past few decades. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, its location, and your overall health.
- Surgery is often the primary treatment for colorectal cancer. For early-stage cancers, minimally invasive procedures might be sufficient. More advanced cancers may require more extensive surgery to remove the tumor and nearby lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and is often used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Modern chemotherapy regimens are more effective and have fewer side effects than older treatments.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and is particularly useful for rectal cancers. It’s often combined with chemotherapy for better results.
- Targeted therapy represents a newer approach that attacks specific features of cancer cells. These treatments can be particularly effective for certain types of colorectal cancer.
- Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer and has shown promise for certain colorectal cancers, particularly those with specific genetic characteristics.
When you’re dealing with potential cancer symptoms or navigating a cancer diagnosis, the expertise of qualified healthcare professionals becomes invaluable.
Advanced practice nurses, particularly those with specialized training through programs like a post master’s certificate, often play crucial roles in cancer care teams, providing both clinical expertise and compassionate support throughout the treatment journey.
Prevention
While you can’t control all risk factors, there’s plenty you can do to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red meat and processed foods can make a significant difference. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption all help reduce risk.
Most importantly, don’t skip your screening appointments. Regular colonoscopies starting at age 45 (or earlier if you have risk factors) can catch cancer early when it’s most treatable or even prevent it by removing precancerous polyps.
If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms or it’s time for your routine screening, don’t put it off. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns and develop a screening plan that’s right for you.
The fight against colorectal cancer is one we can win, but it requires awareness, prevention, and prompt action when something doesn’t feel right. Your health is worth that conversation with your doctor.
Also read: 5 Signs of Lung Cancer in Women
