The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine and are integral to digestion and the expulsion of waste from the body. Colorectal cancer impacts the interior lining of the colon or rectum and can spread to other areas, which is why timely medical intervention is necessary to treat this condition.
While the exact cause of colorectal cancer is not always clear, the condition results from mutated, rapidly multiplying cells. Certain risk factors, such as diet, lifestyle, state of health, and family history, can play a role. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
Keep in mind that this form of cancer does not usually cause symptoms until the condition has advanced.
Cancer staging is an important factor during treatment, as higher stages mean that the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. However, most people receive a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and medication during the course of treatment.
Surgery is used to remove cancerous tissue, while radiation therapy uses targeted beams to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs also kill cancer cells, and the treatment is often provided in conjunction with surgery. There is also targeted drug therapy, which uses medications to elicit an immune response aimed at cancer cells.
It may be possible to prevent colorectal cancers by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as:
People are also encouraged to undergo regular screenings for colorectal cancer, even when no symptoms are present. Routine screenings can identify the condition early for an improved outlook.