What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a term used to describe cancers
(lumps, growths, tumours) of the colon (the large
intestine or bowel) and rectum. Together, they are one of
the most common cancers in the world. Tumours can be
described as benign or malignant. Benign tumours do not
spread, but malignant tumours, such as in colorectal
cancer, are made up of cells that can spread to and damage
other parts of the body.
The colon and rectum are part of the body's
digestive system and are also known as the large
bowel.
The colon is responsible for reabsorbing large
amounts of water and nutrients from undigested food
products passing along it.
The rectum is situated at the end of the colon and
stores the waste material before it is passed out of
the body.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include:
A change in bowel habits (diarrhoea, constipation or
a feeling the bowel does not empty itself properly).
Blood in the stools.
General abdominal discomfort such as pains, bloating
or fullness.
Unexplained weight loss, tiredness and vomiting.
However, many of these symptoms may also occur in
association with other conditions and therefore it is
essential to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis.
How do you get
Colorectal Cancer?
As with many other types of cancer, the exact causes of
colorectal cancer are unclear, although a number of risk
factors have been identified that may increase a person's
chance of developing the condition. For example, the risk
is increased:
In more elderly people.
In people who have a diet high in protein, saturated
fats and calories, but low in fibre. Also in those
with a high intake of alcohol.
In those with a past history of some female cancers,
such as those of the breast, ovary or uterus.
In people who have one or more close family members
who have had colorectal cancer.
People with the condition ulcerative colitis, where
the lining of the colon becomes inflamed also have a
higher risk.
Another common risk factor for colorectal cancer is
the presence of polyps. These are benign growths on
the inner wall of the colon or rectum. If they are
left untreated, they may, over time, become cancerous.
It should be remembered however, that having one or
more of these risk factors does not mean that a person
will develop the disease. It just increases their chances
of getting it.
How serious is
Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is potentially a very serious condition
and can be life-threatening.
How long does Colorectal
Cancer last?
Colorectal cancer is the second most common tumour in men
and women (lung cancer is most common).
It is estimated that 1 or 2 people out of every 100,
aged 50 years and over, will develop colorectal
cancer.
Approximately 4 out of
10 patients are at the advanced stages by the time it is
first detected and confirmed (diagnosis).
This means that surgery is the
most likely option after the initial diagnosis and
consultation.
In a smaller number of cases, it
is possible that the patient may only need treatment by
a medical or clinical cancer specialist, without
surgery.
How is Colorectal Cancer
treated?
Unlike many other tumours, the actual size of the tumour
is not the most important factor that determines outcome.
More important is how much the tumour has spread. Doctors
will do tests to 'stage' the cancer to determine how best
to treat it. Treatment of colorectal cancer will vary
depending on the extent of the disease:
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.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to use other forms of
treatment in combination with surgery to reduce the
chance of the cancer coming back.
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.
