About Colorectal Cancer
By Wefayo on
Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
Colorectal cancer
Bowel cancer
Colon cancer
Rectal cancer
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a disease that starts in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine in your digestive system. The colon is the longest part of the large intestine, and the rectum is the last part before waste leaves your body. This cancer begins when normal cells in the lining of the colon or rectum start to grow and change in ways they shouldn't. These abnormal cells can form small growths called polyps, and while most polyps aren't cancer, some can turn into cancer over time. Regular screenings are recommended to find and remove polyps before they become dangerous. If the abnormal cells keep growing, they can form a tumor, which is a lump of cancer cells.
Symptoms
Colorectal cancer often doesn't cause symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they might include:
Changes in how often you have bowel movements
Blood in your poop
Stomach pain or cramps that don't go away
Feeling tired all the time
Losing weight without trying
Risk Factors
Anyone can get colorectal cancer, but some factors make it more likely:
Being older (most people who get it are over 50)
Having a family history of colorectal cancer
Eating lots of red or processed meat
Not exercising enough
Being overweight
Smoking
Drinking too much alcohol
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors use different tests to find colorectal cancer, like colonoscopies, which use a long, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your colon. If cancer is found, treatment might include:
Surgery to remove the tumor
Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
Medicines like chemotherapy
Trend
In the United States, as of 2022, about 1.5 million people in the US were living with a history of colorectal cancer.
In the last five years (2019-2023), approximately 750,000 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the US (estimated based on yearly incidence).
It's projected that by 2029, there will be about 790,000 new cases of colorectal cancer in the US over the next five years (estimated based on current trends).
History
Colorectal cancer has been around for centuries, but it became more common in the 20th century as lifespans increased and diets shifted towards more processed foods. In the 1950s, significant advancements were made in understanding how colorectal cancer develops, which led to the development of screening tests like colonoscopies in the 1960s. These screenings have played a crucial role in early detection and improved survival rates. More recently, new treatment options have been developed, and screening recommendations have been adjusted to address the concerning trend of colorectal cancer in younger adults.
Colorectal Cancer - Source of Information
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.