Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
A closer look at colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer usually begins as a small polyp. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from what are called adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-shaped growths are usually benign, as are most polyps, but some may develop into cancer over time. Colorectal cancer symptoms may include a change in bowel habits or bleeding, but usually colon cancer strikes without symptoms. Most of the time, the diagnosis of localized colon cancer is through colonoscopy.
Watch for symptoms of colorectal cancer
It's important to remember that in its early stages, colorectal cancer usually causes no symptoms. So regular colorectal cancer prevention examinations, or screenings, are crucial. Even if symptoms are present, the cancer may still be curable if not ignored.
One symptom of colorectal cancer may be rectal bleeding. This may mean only small amounts of blood intermittently-so little it is found only during chemical testing of the stool, and not visible to the naked eye. When tumors have grown larger, other symptoms may develop. The symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- A change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Visible blood on or in the stool
- Unexplained anemia
- Unusual abdominal or gas pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer in the United States is about seven percent. Certain factors that increase the risk include:
- Polyps of the colon: the removal of colon polyps at the time of colonoscopy reduces the subsequent risk of colon cancer.
- History of cancer: individuals who have previously been diagnosed and treated for colon cancer are at risk for developing colon cancer in the future. Women who have had cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Heredity: Family history of colon cancer, especially in a close relative before the age of 55 or multiple relatives, carries higher risk.
- Smoking: Smokers are more likely to die of colorectal cancer than non-smokers, with a 30 to 40% higher likelihood, according to The American Cancer Society study.
- Virus: Exposure to some viruses (such as particular strains of human papilloma virus) may be associated with colorectal cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: About one percent of colorectal cancer patients have a history of chronic ulcerative colitis.
- Age. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, with most occurring in the 60 and 70-year old age group. Although cases before age 50 have been uncommon without a family history of early disease, studies by The American Cancer Society have noted a global rise in colorectal cancer among some younger groups.
Help protect yourself from colorectal cancer
Individuals can do a lot to protect themselves from cancer. First, choose to live a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and a diet that is low in red meat, low in fat and high in fiber, vegetables and fruit.
The next important step is to schedule regular visits to the doctor so he or she can check the colon for polyps and cancer. How often you go, and what screening procedures are right for you, depends on your individual risk of colorectal cancer.
