Colorectal Cancer

As per the Global Cancer Observatory report, around 70% of colorectal cancer cases in India affect people over the age of 50, making it one of the leading cancers in the older population. Colorectal cancer is a common malignant disease that develops in your colon or rectum.

Depending on where they begin, these cancers are also called rectal cancer or colon cancer. They are treatable if detected early. But, once they spread to other parts of the body, treatment options become restricted. Colon cancers typically affect older adults, though it happens at any age.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies. It begins in any part of your colon (large intestine). Colon cancer Colorectal cancer develops from small clumps called polyps. They can grow in any part of the colon and rectum. This happens when there are changes in the cells lining the inside of the colon. Initially, they are not cancerous, but when these abnormal cells start to grow uncontrollably, they turn into colon cancer.
Polyps often don’t cause symptoms. Therefore, most people are unaware of polyps growing inside their colon or rectum unless they undergo a routine checkup or experience symptoms like pain and bleeding.

Early on, the symptoms of colorectal cancer often go unnoticed. You may feel fine, with no indication of any problem. Fortunately, routine screening tests often lead to the detection of colorectal cancer even if you don’t have any symptoms.
When the symptoms do appear, they'll likely depend on the size of the colon cancer and where it is in the large intestine. Symptoms of colon cancer can include:

• Fatigue caused by iron deficiency anaemia
• Change in bowel habits.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Chronic abdominal pain, bloating, or fullness
• Painful urge to have a bowel movement
• Decreased appetite or unintended weight loss.

Doctors aren't sure what causes most colon cancers.
Colorectal or colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop changes in their DNA. Usually, DNA tells cells when to grow, multiply, and die at a set time. But, in cancer cells, these instructions change.
Due to this, the cells grow rapidly and don’t die when they should. The cells might form a mass called a tumour. These cancer cells can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, the cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, it's called metastatic cancer.

If colon cancer is suspected, your doctor will schedule for diagnostic testing. Diagnostic methods for colorectal cancer include:

• Colonoscopy: In this procedure, a thin, lighted tube called a colonoscopy is inserted into your rectum and colon to look for abnormal areas, polyps, or cancer. During a colonoscopy, a biopsy sample may also be collected.
• Stool tests: If you notice a small amount of blood in your stool, it may indicate the presence of polyps or colorectal cancer.
• Physical exam: Your doctor will perform a physical exam, if required.
• Digital rectal exam: In this procedure, your doctor will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check for lumps or anything unusual.
• Imaging: As per your present condition, you may be recommended imaging tests, which include computed tomography scans, abdominal ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging.

This will help to diagnose colorectal cancer.

• Biopsy: During the procedure, a tissue sample is taken for histopathology examination.
• Molecular testing: This test identifies specific genetic mutations or biomarkers to help determine the best treatment option.

Your healthcare professional will recommend colorectal cancer treatment based on the size and location of your colon cancer. Moreover, the treatment options also depend on the stage of your cancer, age, overall health, the type of cancer, and more. Some common treatments include:

• Surgery: It is the first and most common treatment for many stages of colorectal cancer.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment can be given before and after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells or to shrink the tumour.
• Radiation therapy: It is used to either eliminate any cancer cells that remain after surgery or to reduce the tumour before surgery.
• Targeted therapy: It involves prescribing medications or other substances to target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
• Radiofrequency ablation: The procedure uses radio waves to heat and kill aberrant cells.
• Cryosurgery: Uses an extremely cold liquid or tool to freeze and destroy aberrant tissue.

Palliative care also comes under this treatment. It helps you to relieve pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. It can be used in addition to other treatments to improve quality of life for people with cancer.

Changing your lifestyle and getting regular screenings can help you prevent colorectal cancer. Early detection through screening is key, as it finds polyps or cancer in its early stages, making treatment more effective and possible. There are a few health habits that you can adopt to protect yourself from this chronic disease:

• Diet: Eat a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. You can include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are low in animal fats. Try to limit consumption of red and processed meats.
• Exercise: Physical activity is important for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Be active and maintain a healthy weight.
• Alcohol: Limit the alcohol consumption.
• Smoking: Avoid tobacco.
• Screening: Regular screening helps to detect precancerous polyps or colorectal cancer early.
• Medications: You can also take a few medications, including aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This may help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Before taking these medications, you can consult your doctor, as they have some side effects.
• Family history: Thoroughly learn your family background and history, as well as other hereditary conditions that may be associated with this disease.