Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that arises in the large intestine (colon) or its end (rectum). Most cases begin from small growths on the inner lining called polyps, which are benign at first but some of which may turn cancerous over years.

This fact is what makes colorectal cancer one of the most preventable cancers: detecting and removing polyps during a colonoscopy prevents them from becoming cancer at all, and detecting the tumor at an early stage greatly raises the cure rate. Early screening is therefore advised starting at a certain age (often around fifty, or earlier for those with risk factors).

The disease is linked to lifestyle factors such as a low-fiber diet high in processed meats, obesity, inactivity, and smoking, in addition to family history and some inflammatory bowel diseases. Treatment depends on the tumor stage and often combines surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies, with very good results in early stages.

• A persistent change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation).
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
• Recurrent abdominal pain or cramps.
• A feeling of incomplete emptying.
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.

• Transformation of benign polyps into cancer over time.
• Dietary and lifestyle factors.
• Hereditary syndromes and family history in some cases.
• Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

• Age over 50.
• A family history or previous polyps.
• A low-fiber diet high in processed meats.
• Obesity, smoking, and inactivity.

• Colonoscopy, the most important test, which allows biopsy and polyp removal.
• A fecal occult blood test for early screening.
• Imaging to determine the stage and spread.

Surgery

• Removal of the affected bowel segment and lymph nodes, the basis of treatment in most cases.

Adjuvant therapies

• Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies according to the stage and type.

The plan is set by a multidisciplinary team. This content is educational and does not replace consulting an oncologist or gastroenterologist.

• Bowel obstruction or bleeding.
• Spread of the tumor to the liver and lungs.
• Chronic anemia from occult bleeding.

• Early colonoscopy screening by age and recommendation.
• A diet rich in fiber and vegetables and low in processed meats.
• Physical activity, a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.