Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer is caused at the large intestine i.e. colon (lower part of the digestive system) and rectal cancer is the cancer caused at the end of the colon. Together they are denoted as colorectal cancers. It is also known as bowel cancer. It is caused due to uncontrolled cell growth in the colon or rectum or in appendix. This cancer can show prominent symptoms of anemia and rectal bleeding.

The cancer begins with a small, non-cancerous benign of cell called as polyps. With time, these polyps become colon cancer. Doctors recommend regular screening tests to avoid colon cancer by early identification of polyps before they cause colon cancer. Bowel cancer is diagnosed through colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

The research shows that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer all over the world. But it is observed that mostly people of the developed countries are affected by colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is caused to lifestyle and increasing age. Minority cases show underlying genetic disorders as the cause of this cancer.

Colorectal cancer starts in the lining of the bowel and grows into the muscles layers underneath and then through the bowel wall, if not treated on time. At the age of 50 till 75 years of age, screening is recommended to decrease the chances of death due to colorectal cancer. If diagnosed and treated on time, colorectal cancer is curable. If not, then chemotherapy, surgery are advised to colorectal cancer patients.

Usually bowel cancer shows no early symptoms.

The warning signs may include the following:

• Pelvic Pain
• Abdominal discomfort
• Dark patches of blood in stool
• Unexplained fatigue
• Loss appetite and/or weight loss
• Changes in bowel movements, which includes diarrhea or consistent constipation, difficulty in constipation, rectal cramping or rectal bleeding