Colorectal cancer
What are the causes of colorectal cancer?
The exact cause of most colon cancers remains uncertain to doctors.
Colon cancer occurs when cells within the colon undergo alterations in their DNA. DNA serves as the blueprint that guides a cell's functions. These genetic changes prompt the cells to multiply rapidly and persist beyond their natural lifespan, unlike healthy cells that undergo programmed cell death.
This abnormal cell growth leads to excess cells, which may accumulate to form a mass known as a tumour. These cells can infiltrate and damage healthy bodily tissues. Over time, they can detach from the primary tumour and disseminate to other body areas, a process called metastasis.
What are the risk factors of colorectal cancer?
Several factors can elevate the likelihood of developing colon cancer:
1. Advanced age: Although colon cancer can occur at any age, it predominantly affects individuals over 50. However, there has been a concerning rise in the incidence of colon cancer among those under 50, with the exact reasons still unknown to doctors.
2. Race: Black individuals in the United States face a higher risk of colon cancer compared to other racial groups.
3. Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps: Previous occurrences of colon cancer or colon polyps heighten the risk of developing colon cancer.
4. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, characterized by inflammation and swelling of the intestines, increase the susceptibility to colon cancer.
5. Inherited syndromes: Certain genetic mutations passed down through families, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome, significantly raise the risk of colon cancer.
6. Family history: Having a blood relative diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer increases the individual's likelihood of developing colon cancer, with a higher risk if multiple family members have had these cancers.
7. Dietary factors: A low-fiber, high-fat diet, typical of Western diets, may contribute to an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer, although research findings are not entirely consistent. Some studies have associated red meat and processed meat consumption with a heightened risk.
8. Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles are linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Engaging in regular physical activity can potentially reduce this risk.
9. Diabetes and obesity: Individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance, or obesity face an elevated risk of colon cancer and are more likely to experience poorer outcomes if diagnosed with the disease.
10. Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
11. Radiation therapy: Previous exposure to abdominal radiation therapy for cancer treatment can heighten the risk of developing colon cancer.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Initially, many individuals with colon cancer may not experience any symptoms. However, symptoms typically vary based on the size and location of the tumour within the large intestine when symptoms manifest.
Common symptoms of colon cancer include:
- Alterations in bowel habits, such as more frequent episodes of diarrhoea or constipation.
- Rectal bleeding or the presence of blood in the stool.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, characterized by cramps, gas, or pain.
- The sensation of incomplete bowel emptying during bowel movements.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Unintentional weight loss.
When to see a doctor?
What are the causes of colorectal cancer?
The exact cause of most colon cancers remains uncertain to doctors.
Colon cancer occurs when cells within the colon undergo alterations in their DNA. DNA serves as the blueprint that guides a cell's functions. These genetic changes prompt the cells to multiply rapidly and persist beyond their natural lifespan, unlike healthy cells that undergo programmed cell death.
This abnormal cell growth leads to excess cells, which may accumulate to form a mass known as a tumour. These cells can infiltrate and damage healthy bodily tissues. Over time, they can detach from the primary tumour and disseminate to other body areas, a process called metastasis.
What are the risk factors of colorectal cancer?
Several factors can elevate the likelihood of developing colon cancer:
1. Advanced age: Although colon cancer can occur at any age, it predominantly affects individuals over 50. However, there has been a concerning rise in the incidence of colon cancer among those under 50, with the exact reasons still unknown to doctors.
2. Race: Black individuals in the United States face a higher risk of colon cancer compared to other racial groups.
3. Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps: Previous occurrences of colon cancer or colon polyps heighten the risk of developing colon cancer.
4. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, characterized by inflammation and swelling of the intestines, increase the susceptibility to colon cancer.
5. Inherited syndromes: Certain genetic mutations passed down through families, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome, significantly raise the risk of colon cancer.
6. Family history: Having a blood relative diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer increases the individual's likelihood of developing colon cancer, with a higher risk if multiple family members have had these cancers.
7. Dietary factors: A low-fiber, high-fat diet, typical of Western diets, may contribute to an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer, although research findings are not entirely consistent. Some studies have associated red meat and processed meat consumption with a heightened risk.
8. Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles are linked to a higher risk of colon cancer. Engaging in regular physical activity can potentially reduce this risk.
9. Diabetes and obesity: Individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance, or obesity face an elevated risk of colon cancer and are more likely to experience poorer outcomes if diagnosed with the disease.
10. Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.
11. Radiation therapy: Previous exposure to abdominal radiation therapy for cancer treatment can heighten the risk of developing colon cancer.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Initially, many individuals with colon cancer may not experience any symptoms. However, symptoms typically vary based on the size and location of the tumour within the large intestine when symptoms manifest.
Common symptoms of colon cancer include:
- Alterations in bowel habits, such as more frequent episodes of diarrhoea or constipation.
- Rectal bleeding or the presence of blood in the stool.
- Persistent abdominal discomfort, characterized by cramps, gas, or pain.
- The sensation of incomplete bowel emptying during bowel movements.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Unintentional weight loss.
When to see a doctor?
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