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Colorectal Cancer


Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer, bowel cancer or colon neoplasms is a cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, but can spread to other parts of the body. According to reports from WHO and CDC, it is the second most common of all cancers, after lung cancer, worldwide. About 1 in 20 of all Americans will develop colorectal[expand title=”” ]cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Men are at a higher risk than women. Colorectal cancer generally begins as a growth called polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps become cancer over the course of a few years, but not all polyps change to cancer.

The two types of polyps are:

-Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps can change into cancer
-Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps: These polyps generally are not pre-cancerous

In most cases, it is not clear what causes colorectal cancer. Experts say that cancer occurs when there is a problem in the DNA and the cells grow abnormally. Genetic mutations can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Studies have shown a relationship between a diet full of fat and low in fiber and an increased risk of colon cancer. Other risk factors are older age, African-American race, family history, inherited syndromes that increase the risk of CRC, obesity, alcohol, and smoking.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
-changed bowel movements and abdominal discomfort
-feeling that your bowel is not empty completely
-narrower stools
-bloating and gas pains often
-unexplained loss of weight
-nausea or vomiting
-weakness
-blood in your stool

If you note blood in your stool or continued changed bowel habits, contact a specialist. Colorectal cancers can be prevented if detected early. Your doctor may recommend screening to detect any suspected cancer. Screening has been shown to reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer. People with an average risk of cancer can consider screening at age 50. But people with a higher risk should consider screening earlier. If your doctor suspects colorectal cancer, he may recommend a few diagnosis tests such as blood tests, colonoscopy, and stool test. Various treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, drug therapy, and alternative medicine are provided to a patient.

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Tests and Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is often noted after symptoms appear. Most people with early colorectal cancer don’t have symptoms of the disease. Even if signs appear, people are likely to be misled as the symptoms are usually similar to commonly occurring diseases such as bowel problems, abdomen pain etc.

Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer?

If you have colorectal cancer in, there’s good chance that you are cured or can live longer with this disease than before. This is mainly because there are better and advanced treatments options for it these days. You should discuss with your doctor the possible options and about which of them suits you the most. Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on several factors.

Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

There is no way that you confirm prevention of the colorectal cancer. But, there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the colorectal. For example, you can try to control the risk factors for colorectal cancer. Read here about the risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start from, is a cancer of the colon and the rectum. It starts in the colon or the rectum. Approximately 20% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) already have metastases at the time of diagnosis. Read about colon cancer survival rate and overview, life expectancy, prognosis, outlook, and metastasis.