Be aware of the risks of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer affects one in 77 men and one in 132 women, countrywide, every year.

Colorectal cancer (also known as bowel cancer) is the second most common cancer in men after prostate cancer, and the third most common cancer in women after breast and cervical cancer.

Many people are unaware of the risks that colorectal cancer presents, while others do not like to talk about diseases that happen ‘down there.’

However, colorectal screening can accurately detect colorectal cancer, before the disease causes symptoms.
Early detection may save lives.

Survival is dependent on the stage of the disease at diagnosis.

If the cancer is diagnosed at a localised stage, the survival rate is 91%.

However if the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, organs or the regional lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 72%.

When colorectal cancer has already spread to distant sites by the time it is diagnosed, it is referred to as stage four colorectal cancer and the five-year survival rate is 14%.

According to the specialist and senior lecturer at the Department of Medical Oncology at Steve Biko Academic Hospital Dr Thulo Molefi, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of malignancy related illness and death worldwide.

“The high incidence in Africa is thought to be related to high exposure to carcinogens such as processed meats, alcohol and smoking, as well as rising westernisation and sedentary lifestyles, resulting in obesity,” Molefi said.

“In South Africa we do not have a national screening programme, however, based on international data we encourage everyone over the age of 50 to have a screening test which will often include a colonoscopy, physical examination and testing for blood not readily seen in the stool where necessary.

People at risk are advised to seek out cancer screening services, as detecting colon cancer at its early stages leads to better disease outcomes.

“You can decrease your risk of colorectal cancer by improving your lifestyle,” said Molefi.
“Regular exercise and a diet that includes lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancer.

What is the colon?
The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system.

Most of the large intestine is made up of the colon which consists of four sections, namely:
• The ascending colon which extends upward on the right side of the abdomen.
• The transverse colon which goes across the body from the right to the left side.
• The descending colon which travels down on the left side of the body.
• The sigmoid colon which joins the rectum and connects to the anus.

What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?

• Lifestyle – Alcohol and smoking both increase the risk of bowel cancer.

• Age – As a person’s age increases, so does their likelihood of developing bowel cancer. Most people with colorectal cancer are over the age of 50, and the risk of having the disease increases with age.

• Bowel disease – People with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk of developing bowel cancer than the general population. The risk increases with extent and duration of IBD.

• Genetics – There are some rare inherited conditions or syndromes associated with certain gene changes. Family members have an increased risk of bowel cancer if they inherit these gene changes and if they are a blood relative with the disease.

• Being overweight – Being obese or overweight increases the risk of bowel cancer. Try to keep a healthy weight by being physically active and eating a healthy, balanced diet. There is compelling evidence showing a lower risk of bowel cancer in people who are more physically active.

How does colorectal cancer start?
Most colorectal cancers start as a growth, called a polyp, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Certain types of polyps may change into cancer over time, but this usually occurs after many years.

Cancer is when abnormal cells start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way. The cells can grow into surrounding tissues or organs and may spread to other areas of the body.

Symptoms of collateral cancer
People with colorectal cancer may not experience symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms appear they usually differ, depending on the cancer’s size and location in the large intestine.

Common symptoms may include:
• A change in appearance of bowel movements i.e. narrower stools or mucus in stools
• A feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen or a strange sensation in the rectum, often during bowel movement
• A feeling that the bowel hasn’t emptied completely
• Blood in the stools or on the toilet paper
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue
• Rectal or anal pain
• A lump in the rectum or anus
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• A low red blood cell count (anaemia), which can cause tiredness and weakness

For more information, visit: https://merckpatientoncology.co.za/colorectal-cancer/

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