Colorectal Cancer

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is the cancer of colon and rectum. Colorectal cancer is related to large intestine. Colon forms the major part of large intestine.   Rectum is lower part of   large intestine which joins colon with anus.   Cancer may begin as small polyp.

Symptoms

The symptoms of colorectal cancer include

• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Blood in your stool
• Abdominal Pain, cramps or gas
• Weakness , tiredness
• Weight loss

Many a times, people don’t experience any symptoms in   early stages of the disease. Symptoms may vary according to the size and location of the cancer in large intestine.

Causes

Though the exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, risk factors which may contribute to the disease are:

• Inherited syndromes
• Lack of physical activity
• Obesity
• Low fibre diet
• Overweight
• Consumption of alcohol  and tobacco

Diagnosis

Colorectal cancer may be diagnosed by:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Colonoscopy
• Histopathology
• Radiology

Treatment

The treatment of colorectal cancer   depends on the stage of disease. The main treatment alternatives are as follows:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

Prevention:   

Follow healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer such as:

• Avoid the consumption of alcohol and tobacco
• Add fibre in your diet
• Limit the consumption of high protein diet and red meat 
• Add physical activity in your regular routine
• Control your weight

References:

http://www.icmr.nic.in/guide/cancer/Colorectal/Colorectal%20Cancer.pdf

https://coloncancerfoundation.org/about_colon_cancer/index.html

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/overviewguide/colorectal-cancer-overview-what-causes

http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/guide/understanding-colorectal-cancer-basics?page=2