Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancers.

What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

The symptoms of colorectal cancer often vary depending on the location of the cancer. Some of the common symptoms include:.

Changes in bowel habits (e.g. diarrhea or constipation)
Blood in stool
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or weakness

It’s important to note that these symptoms may not necessarily indicate colorectal cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine the underlying cause.

What Causes Colorectal Cancer?

The exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, but there are several factors that may increase your risk of developing the disease:.

Age (most cases occur in individuals over the age of 50)
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
A diet high in red and processed meats
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Smoking

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about screening for colorectal cancer.

How is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?

There are several tests that can be used to screen for colorectal cancer:.

Colonoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a flexible, lighted tube with a camera into the rectum and colon to examine the lining of the colon.
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This test checks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colorectal cancer.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This procedure is similar to a colonoscopy but only examines the rectum and lower part of the colon.
Virtual colonoscopy: This procedure uses CT scans of the colon to create images of the inside of the colon.

If any of these tests indicate the presence of colorectal cancer, further testing may be needed to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas of the body.

How is Colorectal Cancer Treated?

The recommended treatment for colorectal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the location of the cancer, and the overall health of the patient. Treatment options may include:.

Surgery: This is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue and any surrounding tissue that may contain cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: This is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be recommended. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your individual case.

Can Colorectal Cancer be Prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent colorectal cancer, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats.
Stay physically active by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Don’t smoke.
Limit your alcohol consumption.

In addition, regular screening for colorectal cancer is important, especially if you have a personal or family history of the disease or other risk factors.

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer is a common type of cancer that can be potentially life-threatening if not caught early.

By understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and screening options associated with colorectal cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk and catch the disease early if it does occur.