What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a term that is used to describe both colon cancer and rectal cancer.  While there are differences between the two types of cancer (mostly in treatment options), the two cancers share many things in common. Both cancers begin in the digestive system, responsible for processing eaten food. The colon and the rectum make up approximately the last 6 inches of the digestive system, after the small and large intestines.

Colorectal cancer, then, begins in the colorectal tissue that makes up the walls of the colon and the rectum. The abnormal cell growths begin in the inner layer of tissue and can potentially grow into the surrounding layers of tissue. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, the cancer will grow. Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp and develop relatively slowly compared to other cancers.

The overwhelming majority of colorectal cancers are classified as adenocarcinomas, or cancers that begin in the cells that line the colon and rectum.  However, there are many other types of colorectal cancer, each of which are very rare.

Causes of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is caused by polyps, or tissue that is over grown anywhere in the lining of the colon. These polyps can grow due to many different reasons. Some of the causes can be controlled, such as one's diet, lifestyle and whether or not the patient smokes cigarettes. However, the patient does not have control over other symptoms, such as their age, race, personal and family medical history, and whether or not they suffer from diabetes or obesity.

Colorectal Cancer Prevention

The best prevention techniques of colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, have been debated for years. While most health care providers agree that a healthy diet and lifestyle are the best ways to prevent the disease, doctors have always disagreed about the affects of supplements, like calcium and aspirin. Many studies have been conducted through out the years to test if these and other supplements actually can prevent colon cancer at all. While most of the methods used to help prevent colorectal cancer pertain to dietary changes, there are alternative ways to aid prevention of the disease as well. Many colorectal cancer specialists recommend those at risk to sit for long periods of time. Sitting, or sedentary activities can make it easier for polyps to grow. It is not suggested that one should always avoid sitting, but studies have suggested that those who have sedentary jobs or who spend lots of time sitting, have a higher risk for colorectal cancer. These methods can help one achieve negative results from colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is most common in males, age forty to fifty years old. However, no one is immune to the disease and everyone should practice as many suggested methods of colorectal cancer prevention as possible.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

As with most cancers, symptoms are not produced until the cancer advances to later stages of the disease. Symptoms of colorectal cancer can range from a typical fever and excessive tiredness, to blood in the patient's stool, irregular bowel movements and other types of abdominal problems. Common symptoms of colon cancer include various changes in bowel movements, such as persistent constipation or diarrhea, the feeling of not being able to empty the bowel completely, an urgency to move the bowels, rectal cramping, or rectal bleeding. You should see your health care provider if you experience any of the common warning signs, such as blood in the stool, as well as long or thin stools. Also if you feel unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite or loss of weight.