Colorectal Cancer
Abdominal Pain? It Could Be a Sign of Intestinal Cancer.
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Have you ever wondered what colorectal cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer) is and how it affects your body? In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know in simple words, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. Colorectal cancer is serious, but if detected early, it can often be treated successfully.
Summary
Colorectal cancer happens when abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It can cause changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and stomach pain. The condition can be diagnosed with screening tests and treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, depending on its stage.
- Causes
Colorectal cancer can develop due to a mix of genetic factors, age, and lifestyle choices. Common causes include a diet high in red meat, lack of exercise, and family history.
- Symptoms
Symptoms often include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
- Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose colorectal cancer using tests like colonoscopy, biopsy, and blood tests. Early detection is important for successful treatment.
Facts
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world.
- It often starts as small growths called polyps that can become cancerous over time.
- Both men and women are equally at risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Screening tests, like colonoscopies, can detect colorectal cancer early, even before symptoms appear.
- Lifestyle changes, such as eating a high-fiber diet and exercising regularly, can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Know More
- Colorectal cancer develops slowly and may take years to show symptoms.
- It usually starts as non-cancerous polyps that grow inside the colon or rectum.
- Regular screening, especially after the age of 50, is important for finding these polyps before they turn into cancer.
- If caught early, colorectal cancer can be treated successfully, which is why screening is so important.
Symptoms
- Changes in Bowel Movements
- Blood in Stool
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Abdominal Pain
- Tiredness or Weakness
- Long-term Diarrhea or Constipation
- Feeling Like the Bowel Isn’t Empty
- Cramping or Bloating
- Thin Stools
- Rectal Bleeding
Causes
- Age (50 and Above)
- Family History
- High Consumption of Red or Processed Meat
- Low Fiber Intake
- Lack of Physical Activity
- Chronic Bowel Inflammation (IBD)
- Overweight or Obesity
- Tobacco Use
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
- Type 2 Diabetes
Diagnosis
- Colonoscopy
- Biopsy
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
- CT Colonography
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- Blood Tests
- Stool DNA Test
- Imaging Tests (CT, MRI)
- Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test
- Digital Rectal Exam
Treatments
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Ablation or Embolization Procedures
- Robotic Surgery
- Palliative Care
- Clinical Trials
- Lifestyle Changes (Diet and Exercise)
Treatment Options and Outcomes
Understanding the different treatment options for colorectal cancer is important for both patients and healthcare providers. This table explains the main treatments, their uses, common side effects, and expected outcomes.
| Treatment | Indications | Common Side Effects | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery | Early-stage cancer, localized tumors | Pain, infection, bowel changes | Potentially curative if localized |
| Chemotherapy | Advanced or metastatic cancer | Nausea, fatigue, hair loss | Can shrink tumors, prolong survival |
| Radiation Therapy | Rectal cancer or inoperable tumors | Skin irritation, fatigue, bowel issues | Tumor shrinkage, symptom control |
| Targeted Therapy | Advanced cancer with specific mutations | Diarrhea, high blood pressure, fatigue | Tumor control, slow progression |
| Immunotherapy | Advanced cancer with immune markers | Immune-related side effects (inflammation) | Long-term tumor control in some patients |
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What screening tests are appropriate for my age and risk factors?
- What are the side effects of the treatments you recommend?
- How can I lower my risk of developing colorectal cancer?
- Should my family members be tested if I am diagnosed?
- What lifestyle changes can I make to support my recovery?
Frequently Asked Questions
Colonoscopy is recommended for individuals over 50 or earlier if there's a family history of colorectal cancer. It’s also suggested if you have symptoms such as rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Yes, colorectal cancer can be inherited. Conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome increase the risk. If there’s a family history of colon cancer, early screening may be advised.
Colorectal cancer can lead to back pain, particularly if it spreads to surrounding organs or the spine. However, back pain typically occurs in advanced stages and is not an early symptom.
Yes, colorectal cancer is treatable, especially when detected early. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes targeted therapy or immunotherapy, depending on the stage of cancer.
Colon cancer occurs in the large intestine, which includes both the colon and the rectum. It can develop in any part of the colon, such as the ascending, transverse, descending, or sigmoid colon.
Colon cancer is becoming more common in India, though still less frequent than in Western countries. The rise in cases is linked to changes in diet, lifestyle, and the aging population.
Colon and rectal cancers are both types of colorectal cancer but are distinct. Colon cancer affects the large intestine, while rectal cancer affects the last part of the intestine (the rectum).
Colon cancer usually develops over many years, starting as small benign polyps. These polyps can slowly turn into cancer over 10 to 15 years, which is why regular screening is important.
Colorectal cancer develops when cells in the colon or rectum grow abnormally and form polyps. Over time, these polyps can become cancerous, often due to genetic changes, lifestyle factors, or inherited risks.
Dr. Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (G I cancer Surgeon)
Dr Harsh Shah is a well known GI & HPB Robotic Cancer Surgeon in ahmedabad. He treats cancers of esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum & small intestines. He is available at Apollo Hospital.