The Big Three: Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer:

Colorectal cancer is referred to as a “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic characteristics resulting in late diagnosis which is often difficult to treat.

However, with early screening and early detection, colorectal cancer can lead to a complete cure and resolution and there are millions of survivors today.

To begin, what is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the tissues of the colon or rectum which are part of the digestive system. The colon is the first and longest part of your large intestine and its main function is to absorb water and some nutrients from food that you consume. It also aids in the formation of left over waste products into stool. The rectum is the lower part of your large intestine, and it is where stool is stored.

Colorectal cancer can be caused genetics in which there are mutations or variants in your DNA or lifestyle and environmental factors.

Risk factors:

·  Age >45

·  Alcohol use (3 or more alcoholic drinks daily)

·  Tobacco use

·  History of colorectal polyps

·  High consumption of red meat and/or processed meats

·  Family history of colorectal cancer

·  Inflammatory bowel disease for 8 years or more

Symptoms:

Colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms. However, some of the symptoms may include:

·  A change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few days such as diarrhea or constipation

·  A different shape or caliber of stool than usual

·  A feeling that the bowel is not completely empty

·  Blood when passing stool

·  Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or abdominal cramping

·  Unexplained weight loss

·  Fatigue

Screening:

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults age 45-75 be screen for colorectal cancer. However, there are a few risk factors that suggest earlier testing such as:

·  Inflammatory bowel disease such as Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

·  A family history or personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer

·  Lynch Syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer)

·  Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (a genetic syndrome)

Types of Screening tests:

·  Stool test (test the stool for blood)

o   Fecal occult blood test

o   Fecal immunochemical test

o   FIT- DNA test (also known as Stool DNA test)

·  Flexible sigmoidoscopy (a scope that examines the last 1/3 of the colon)

·  Colonoscopy (a scope examines the entire colon)

Screening for colon cancer is important and can be a potentially lifesaving. If you’re within the ages of 45-75, speak with your doctor for a test that fits you. Cancer can sound scary but early detection leads to an easier, and more successful treatment.