8 must know facts about Colorectal cancer

Posted by Dr Rudra Prasad Acharya on August 28th, 2019

Colorectal cancer: 8 facts about it

Cancer in itself is such a dreaded term that many people fear. There are various types of cancer occurring in the human body. Cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells in any part of the body. Colorectal cancer is one such cancer that has a high prevalence and is quite common amongst people of various age groups, especially old age people. However, there are certain misconceptions regarding colorectal cancer that will be cleared after you read this blog further. 

1. Colorectal cancer can be prevented with regular diagnosis

Colorectal cancer diagnosis on time is crucial. In several cases, the right diagnosis can prevent colorectal cancer by removing the polyps on time before they turn into cancer. Diagnosis is also helpful in detecting colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment remains to be the most effective. Regular screening can help prevent a large number of colorectal cancer deaths worldwide. The five-year survival rate increases by up to 90% if detected early.

2. Age is the leading risk factor for colorectal cancer.

A majority of people who have colorectal cancer (both men and women) are 50 years or older, and the risk for developing this cancer enhances enormously with age. However, similar to other diseases, this does not hold every time as younger people can get colorectal cancer as well.

3. There might not necessarily be any early warning signs.

Similar to other types of cancer, such as lung and cervical cancer, colorectal cancer is quite hard to detect in its formative stage. Symptoms are varied that include a change in bowel habits, constipation, or feeling that the bowel is not emptied, blood in the stool, diarrhoea, frequent gas pains, weight loss, bloating, fullness or cramps. Some of the other early signs include nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. 

4. Lifestyle choices are a significant risk for colorectal cancer

Various lifestyle-related factors are directly related to colorectal cancer. Obesity not only enhances your risk of suffering from colorectal cancer by 30% but complicates the condition. Similarly, smoking also increases the risk of developing this type of cancer. Other risk factors of colorectal cancer include diets rich in red and processed meats, heavy alcohol use, and a lack of exercise. 

5. Family history matters.

People having a close relative, such as either of the parent, sibling, or offspring who have had colorectal cancer increases the risk of developing this disease two to three times more. A family or personal history of polyps can also enhance your risk –mainly if the polyps are huge or if there are several ones of them.

6. Certain Health conditions can enhance your risk.

Colorectal cancer risk increases in case you suffer from the following conditions: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including either ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, type 2 diabetes.

7. Regular colorectal cancer diagnosis and screening should start at 50.

As polyps are commonly seen in people above 50 years of age, you are recommended to undergo universal screening for colorectal cancer earlier at this age. If you are below 50 and have a family history of this cancer or other aligning risk factors, consult your doctor regarding the beginning of the screening. 

8. There are different options for the screening of colorectal cancer

There are various screening tests that can confirm or diagnose colorectal cancer such as barium enema, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy, stool gene testing, faecal immune testing. You need to consult your oncologist to confirm the screenings that are suitable for you considering your age, family history, and lifestyle choices.