Colorectal Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Causes, prevent, treatment

There are several types of colorectal cancer which include:

·      Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer commonly occurs in the epithelial cells that produce mucus and other fluids in the lining of the colon or rectum. Almost 95% of colorectal cancers are Adenocarcinomas. 

·      Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs): GISTs Tumours begin in specialized cells known as interstitial cells of Cajal, which control the digestive tract's contractions. This type is rare and can appear anywhere in the digestive system.

·      Lymphomas: These cancers originate in immune cells called lymphocytes and tend to develop in the colon or rectum. This rare type of colorectal cancer accounts for less than 1% of all colorectal cancers.

·      Carcinoid tumours: Carcinoid tumours often begin from Enterochromaffin cells, which are responsible for producing hormones. These are rare, slow-growing tumours developing in the digestive system due to hormonal and chemical reactions.

Colon cancer symptoms depend on the stage of cancer. Some common symptoms are: 

·      Blood in the stool

·      Unexplained weight loss

·      Fatigue or weakness

·      Abdominal pain or cramping

·      Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or narrow stools

·      Feeling like the bowel doesn't empty  

It's important to note that not all people need to experience any symptoms, especially in the early colon cancer stages. 

Some of the common colon cancer risks include the following: 

• Age: The risk increases with age, especially after age 50.
• Family history: having colorectal cancer in someone in a close family increases the risk.
• Personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer: People with colorectal polyps or cancer are at increased risk.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: People with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk of developing bowel cancer
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits: People with a sedentary lifestyle with unhealthy habits like smoking or consumption of alcohol, or following a low-fibre diet, including processed meat, are more prone to the disease. 

It's imperative to know that having one or more of these risk factors does not imply that a person will develop colorectal cancer. Some individuals with no known risk factors may still develop the disease. 

Some steps of colon cancer prevention can lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer are: 

• Get screened: Routine check-ups may help identify the disease and allow you to take early treatment.
• Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet like fruits, vegetables, and low in red and processed meats will help reduce the risk.
• Maintain a healthy weight: It involves regular physical activity and proper food habits to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Get regular exercise: Physical activity can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and other chronic diseases.
• Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption: Avoiding smoking and heavy drinking habits can reduce the risk.  

People can decrease their risk of colorectal cancer by following these colon cancer prevention measures mentioned above and taking preventive measures. 

The diagnosis of colorectal cancer essentially consists of a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests like: 

• Screening tests: Colorectal cancer screening tests, like fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), colonoscopy, and sigmoidoscopy, can detect early-stage cancer.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests like CT scans, PET scans, MRI, or ultrasound, can help identify the location and extent of cancer and any possible spread to other organs.
• Blood tests: The blood tests may be conducted to determine the presence of specific substances that can suggest the presence of cancer of the colorectal.
• Biopsy: The procedure where a sample of tissue is taken from a suspected cancerous area to confirm the presence of cancer. 

Once colorectal cancer is diagnosed, it may need to find its stage and extent.

Cancer's stage and extent will determine the patient's treatment, so it is essential to know it before. The condition colorectal cancer can persist in a patient in several different ways, including: 

• Polyps: Polyps are abnormal growth in the rectum or colon lining. While most polyps are not cancerous, some can eventually turn cancerous.
• Localized cancer: This cancer stage is confined to an area that doesn't spread beyond the colon or rectum.
• Regional cancer: This is a condition where cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or tissues.
• Metastatic cancer: In this condition, cancer spreads to other body parts, such as the liver, lungs, or bones.
• Recurrent cancer: Recurrent cancer refers to cancer that has returned after prior treatment. It is caused due to incomplete treatment, or the root may persist. 

Cancer's stage, the patient's general health, and other circumstances all influence colon cancer treatment and management. Some standard treatment options are: 

• Surgery and Operation: Surgery for cancer involves removing the diseased tissue and any nearby lymph nodes. The type of colon cancer surgery depends on the body part and stage of cancer.
• Radiation therapy: It can be combined with surgery or chemotherapy and uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. 
• Chemotherapy: It uses drugs to kill cancer cells, usually combined with radiation therapy or surgery. The drug can be injected into the rectal Tumour intravenously or taken orally.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs and Medication that target proteins or genes that spread cancer cells and are responsible for decreasing the defective cell.
• Immunotherapy: By enhancing the immune response against cancer cells, immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer.

 Also, supportive care and side effect control are crucial aspects of the treatment. It may involve providing dietary assistance, emotional support, and pain treatment. 

 The road to recovery and aftercare for colorectal cancer depends on the patient's general health, cancer stage, and the treatments they underwent. Some of the general considerations are: 

• Recovery from surgery: The duration of recovery time required after surgery will depend on the extent of the surgery. At this time, it's essential to control your pain, take care of your wounds, and increase your physical activity with the help of a healthcare professional.  
• Follow-up care: Regular appointments with a healthcare provider are necessary to monitor for any signs of recurrence or new cancer and manage the side effects. The frequency and type of follow-up care will depend on the individual's situation.
• Nutrition and exercise:  Practicing healthy habits like eating an appropriate diet, maintaining an ideal weight, and being physically active will increase overall health and lower the chance of developing the recurrence of.
• Emotional and psychological support: It is essential to have a support system such as family or friends.
• Monitoring for other health issues: Patients with a history of colorectal cancer are at higher risk for other health issues. Regular monitoring and preventive care can help manage these risks.
• Conscious about health: The patient should not be ignoring any long-term health issues associated with digestive or stomach. Sometimes, patients do not feel the symptoms at the beginning phases. 

It's necessary to note that the aftercare plan will vary per the patient's circumstances and should be determined by consulting a healthcare provider.

1.    What is colorectal cancer, and what causes it?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts to develop in the colon or rectum. It is caused by changes in the DNA within the cells that cause them to grow and divide uncontrollably. An unhealthy lifestyle, age, and wrong food habits are common factors leading to colorectal cancer.  

2.    What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer? 

Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

·      Change in bowel habits

·      Blood in the stool

·      Pain in the abdominal region 

·      Unexplained weight loss

·      Fatigue 

3.    Who is at risk for colorectal cancer, and how can I reduce my risk? 

Risk factors include age, family history, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, specific genetic syndromes, a diet high in red and processed meats, and a sedentary lifestyle. Following measures can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer: 

·      Maintain a healthy weight

·      Be physically active

·      Eat a healthy and balanced diet

·      Limit alcohol consumption

·      Avoid smoking. 

4.    How is colorectal cancer diagnosed and staged?

The diagnosis of colorectal cancer may involve a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests (such as a CT scan or colonoscopy), and a biopsy. Staging is a process that helps determine the extent and severity of cancer. It is essential to reach out to the doctor with the initial symptom of a Tumour or polyps to avoid severity. 

5.    What are the treatment options for colorectal cancer?

The treatment plan varies according to the stage and extent of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient and keeping other factors in consideration. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are treatment options available. 

6.    What are the potential side effects of treatment, and how can they be managed? 

Some of the potential side effects of Cancer treatment may include the following:

·      Fatigue

·      Changes in appetite

·      Nausea

·      Hair loss

·      Diarrhoea 

These bowel cancer symptoms can be managed through various medications as prescribed by the doctor, making lifestyle changes, and support from the doctor and family members.  

7.    What is the prognosis for colorectal cancer?

The prognosis for colorectal cancer varies according to the stage and extent of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. It also varies depending on the patient's health history, immune system and lifestyle habits. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis. 

8.    What lifestyle changes can I make to help manage my cancer and improve my overall health? 

An individual's overall health can be maintained by incorporating healthy habits and eliminating unhealthy ones. Some of them are:

·      Eating a healthy diet

·      Being physically active

·      Managing stress

·      Getting enough rest 

·      Stop smoking

·      Avoid alcohol consumption  

9.    How can I manage my emotional and psychological well-being while dealing with colorectal cancer? 

Colorectal cancer massively impacts the patient's mental health. To manage stress levels and cope well with the emotional consequences, one must take the following steps: 

·      Seek support from your loved ones 

·      Join a support group

·      Consult a mental health professional 

10. What resources are available to support my loved ones and me during and after treatment?

Resources may comprise support groups, financial assistance programs, counselling services, and educational resources. Healthcare providers can provide better information about resources in your community.