Cancer can affect different parts of the body, including the digestive system. Some of the most common gastrointestinal cancers include esophageal cancer, gastric or stomach cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is also the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths around the world. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Ganesh Nagarajan, Director, Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Cancer, and Rectal Cancer, Mumbai, said, “Early detection significantly improves the outcomes of colorectal cancer treatment,” which is only possible if you keep a close eye on the symptoms and get medical evaluations done regularly.
Also Read: Pancreatic Cancer: How To Know If The Cancer Has Spread?
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. It usually begins as a growth called a polyp, which can be non-cancerous but may develop into cancer over time.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), there are different types of polyps, namely:
Adenomatous polyps, which include tubular, villous, and tubulovillous types, can transform into cancer, making them precancerous.
Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps are generally not precancerous, but larger hyperplastic polyps may warrant more frequent colorectal cancer screening.
Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA) are considered high-risk and are often treated similarly to adenomas due to their increased colorectal cancer risk.
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How Colorectal Cancer Affects Bowel Movements
According to Dr Nagarajan, colorectal cancer, situated within the digestive tract, brings significant changes to bowel movements. This is because tumours in the colon or rectum may obstruct the normal passage of stool, causing changes in bowel habits.
Additionally, cancer-related inflammation can lead to diarrhoea or constipation, and as the cancer progresses, it may narrow the bowel, leading to thinner stools.
Such disruptions in bowel function highlight the importance of recognising changes in bowel habits as potential indicators of colorectal cancer, hence emphasising the need for timely medical evaluation and screening.
Also Read: From Blood In Stool To Unexplained Weight Loss: Expert Lists 6 Signs Of Bowel Cancer
Changes In Bowel Habits To Watch Out
Some of the changes in bowel habits in patients with colorectal cancer include:
Persistent diarrhoea
- Persistent constipation
- Blood in stools
- Narrowed stools
- Increased urgency to visit the washroom
- Discomfort during bowel movements
- Variations in stool consistency
In advanced stages, fatigue and weakness might also affect bowel patterns, said Dr Nagaranjan, adding that any ongoing abdominal discomfort, especially if it's new, severe, or doesn't alleviate, should not be ignored.
The doctor also added, “Iron deficiency anaemia, characterised by symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and paleness, can sometimes be an early sign of colorectal cancer due to chronic blood loss.”
Understanding Your Risk Factors
“Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or those with risk factors like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) should be particularly vigilant,” said Dr Nagaranjan, emphasising the need for regular screenings and maintaining open communication with a doctor.
Certain lifestyle factors, including a lack of regular physical activity, a diet low in fruit and vegetables, a low-fibre and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats, may also contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Maintain a healthy weight and avoid alcohol consumption and tobacco use to reduce your risk of the disease.