What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a condition of cancer or malignancy that occurs in the tissues of the large intestine, namely the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) or the rectum (the small part that connects the large intestine to the anus). In general, colorectal cancer originates from a colon polyp which then develops into cancer. However, not all polyps will turn into cancer because it depends on the type of polyp itself.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer death in the United States. The risk of colorectal cancer is higher in men than in women. With a percentage of the risk of getting colorectal cancer is 5%. Along with improvements in early detection and advances in prevention of colorectal cancer, mortality from this disease has declined over the past 20 years.
What are the causes and risk factors for colorectal cancer?
Growth of cells in the body that are not normal can cause tumors. Over time, there will be a buildup and development of tumors that can damage the surrounding healthy tissue.
However, until now it is not known exactly what causes the growth of the cells that cause these tumors. Even so, there are several factors that can increase the risk of colorectal cancer, namely:
- 50 years of age or older.
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer.
- Have a history of adenomatous polyps.
- Have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.
- Having an unhealthy lifestyle.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer has a variety of symptoms and usually the symptoms of this disease are not visible in the early stages. New symptoms will appear when the cancer in the body is growing. The symptoms experienced by sufferers of this disease can vary and are not specific. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- Diarrhea or constipation that occurs continuously.
- There is blood in the stool due to bleeding in the anus.
- Often experience pain in the stomach.
- Often feel tired.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss occurs.
How to prevent?
To prevent colorectal cancer, you can do screening so that cancer can be detected as early as possible. Colorectal cancer will be easier to treat and have a greater chance of recovery if it can be detected early. There are various ways to screen for colorectal cancer, including:
- Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a screening or examination that aims to detect abnormal changes in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This examination is carried out by inserting a flexible tube that has a small camera at the end of the tube into the anus. Colonoscopy is recommended to be done every 10 years in order to detect colorectal cancer as early as possible.
- CT Colonography
Virtual colonoscopy or CT colonography is a visual test of the large intestine (colon) using a CT scan. The difference between a virtual colonoscopy and a regular colonoscopy is that a virtual colonoscopy does not use a flexible tube that must be inserted into the anus.
- Sigmoidoscopy
Sigoidoscopy is a type of examination that aims to evaluate the condition of the lower large intestine (colon). This examination procedure is carried out by inserting a thin and flexible tube or sigmoidoscope into the anus with the aim of seeing conditions in the rectum and colon.
- Stool examination
Stool examination also includes blood tests and detects cancer cells from the stool. This can help detect colorectal cancer early. This examination is recommended to be carried out every 1 to 3 years.
By carrying out existing tests, it can help you detect colorectal cancer as early as possible. Thus, the treatment of colorectal cancer can be done properly and has a greater chance of recovery. Of course, apart from screening, adopting a healthy lifestyle also plays an important role in helping to prevent the development of colorectal cancer.
This article was reviewed by dr. Wendell Ken, SpB (General Surgeon Specialist at EMC Sentul Hospital).