Colorectal Cancer Treatment & Symptom

Colorectal cancer , also called colon cancer or bowel cancer , includes cancerous growths in the colon , rectum and appendix. The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine of the digestive system, usually referred to as the gastrointestinal tract. Typically, the colon is the upper 5 or 6 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the lower 5 to 7 inches located above the anal canal. Together, they are often referred to as colorectal cancers, and they make up the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Only lung cancer claims more lives. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become cancerous. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms, so it's important to get regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer. If signs and symptoms of cancer do appear, they may include a change in bowel habits, blood in your stool, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal pain. However, the number of deaths from the disease has decreased as a result of improved tests that allow early detection of the cancer, when it can be more easily treated. Physical activity and a good diet are associated with a decreased incidence of colorectal cancer. There are approximately 150,000 cases of colon and rectal cancer diagnosed in the United States every year.

Colorectal cancer starts in the cells that line the inside of the colon or the rectum. The colon and rectum are part of your digestive system, where food is changed into energy and the body rids itself of waste matter.  The colon joins the small intestine to the rectum. Food moves from the stomach to the small intestine, where your body continues to break it down. When food is completely digested, it moves from the small intestine into the colon, where water is removed. The last part of the colon is known as the rectum. This is where waste is stored. When you have a bowel movement, waste leaves the body through the opening called the anus. In Western countries, cancer of the large intestine and rectum is the second most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. The incidence of colorectal cancer begins to rise at age 40 and peaks between the ages of 60 and 75. The rate for the entire U.S. population is about 50 new instances of colorectal cancer for every 100,000 people each year. Colon cancer is more common among women; rectal cancer is more common among men. About 5% of the people with colon or rectal cancer have cancer in two or more sites in the colon and rectum that do not appear to simply be spread from one site to another.

Causes of Colorectal Cancer

Common Causes of Colorectal Cancer :

• Family history of colorectal cancer.
• Lack of exercise.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• Smoking (Smokers have a 30-40% higher risk of dying form colon cancer than non-smokers.).
• Diabetes (Diabetics have a 30% greater risk of getting colon cancer.).
• Age 50 or older.
• History of colon polyps .

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Some common Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer :

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Abdominal pain with a bowel movement.
• Blood in the stools.
• General abdominal discomfort such as pains, bloating or fullness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Change in bowel habits.

Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

• In both cancer of the colon and rectum, chemotherapy may be given in case any cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. These powerful medicines work by killing cancer cells by stopping them from dividing and growing.
• In rectal cancer, radiation therapy, which also stops tumour cells from dividing and growing, may also be used as this has been shown to be beneficial to some patients.
• In the early stages, the main treatment will be surgery to remove the tumour and surrounding tissue. In some cases, no further treatment will be needed, as the cancer will have been removed. Depending on individual circumstances, the surgeon might be able to reconnect the intestines after removing the tumour and thus avoid the need for a colostomy. This is not always possible however, and a temporary or permanent colostomy might be required in some people.