Colorectal Cancer

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is also called colon cancer, and is the cancer of the colon and rectum caused by polyps that grow and become cancerous. Colorectal cancer is more prevalent in older people, though it can happen at any age. Located at the lower part of your digestive system, colorectal polyps usually start as non-cancerous benign or tissue growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Not all of these polyps develop into cancer. Healthcare providers have screening tests that can screen and detect these polyps before they can become cancerous. 

Colorectal cancer presents itself due to factors like genetics, lifestyle, age and diseases like diabetes.

What are the symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

People with colorectal cancer may not show any symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, it will depend on the size of the cancer as well as its location. Symptoms include:

• Bloating and abdominal discomfort 
• Blood in the stool
• Change in bowel habits (i.e. diarrhea, constipation)
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

What are the risk factors of Colorectal Cancer?

Factors that can increase your risk of developing Colorectal Cancer includes:

• Age: While colorectal cancer can happen at any age, your risk of devleoping colorectal cancer increases as you get older. However, in recent years, the number of younger people developing colorectal cancer has been on the rise. 
• Genetics: Some traits that increases your risk of colorectal cancer runs in the family. Some common conditions include familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The condition results in pain and swelling of the intestines which increases your risk of colorectal cancer. 
• Diet: Colorectal cancer has been linked with a western diet that is high in red and processed meat and low in fiber. 
• Obesity: People who are obese have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. A diet high in calories and fats also increases your risk. 
• Smoking: Using tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco or vaping, increases your risk of colorectal cancer.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol may increase your risk of colorectal cancer.

How is Colorectal Cancer diagnosed?

Biopsy
A biopsy of the colon will be done on polyps and tumors that may be indicative of cancer.

Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase due to cancer. 

Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is done to examine the colon and rectum for the presence of suspicious. 

Imaging Tests
Colorectal imaging tests are done with ultrasound or CT scan to check for tumor location and growth in the colon and rectum.

Learn more about AI-assisted colonoscopy to improve colorectal cancer screening here.
 

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