March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and this year emphasises the importance of regular colonoscopy screenings for early diagnosis.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases. It is also the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
In India, colorectal cancer is among the ten most common cancers, Dr Lakshan Kashyap, Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, tells the OnlyMyHealth team. He shares, "Age-adjusted incidence rate of colorectal cancer is 5.3/100000 persons in men, whereas it is 4.3/100000 persons in women."
Also Read: How NOT To Mistake Colorectal Cancer For Common Gastrointestinal Disorders
Given the alarming date, we try to unravel some of the most important aspects of colorectal cancer, ranging from its symptoms and risk factors to preventive measures.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon or rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that occurs when cells in the colon or rectum start to grow abnormally. It often starts with precancerous growths called polyps that can develop over time.
While colorectal cancer may not show any symptoms in the early stages, there are instances when people show symptoms, including:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anaemia (low haemoglobin)
- Pain or cramps in the abdomen that don’t go away
Who Is At Risk?
The WHO suggests that the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 50 years old. Other risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Certain genetic disorders, such as Lynch syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
- Persons who had certain types of polyps in the colon
- Diet high in processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables
- A sedentary habit
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Also Read: How Your Bowel Habits Change With Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms To Note
Colorectal Cancer Risk In Young People
Though older adults are at a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer, younger people can also develop the disease, especially those who have a family history of colorectal cancer, says Dr Kashyap.
According to Cancer.Net, about 20% of all colorectal diagnoses are in people under the age of 55.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) examined health insurance data to identify early warning signs of colorectal cancer in young adults. They looked at 17 possible signs and symptoms reported 3 months to 2 years before a colorectal cancer diagnosis. Four signs were particularly important: abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea, and iron deficiency anaemia.
People with one of these signs were twice as likely to have CRC, and those with three or more signs were six times more likely.
Preventive Measures
As per Dr Kashyap, regular screening for colorectal cancer is the best way to get an early diagnosis.
“The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends CRC screening in persons aged between 45 and 75 years,” he adds.
Some of the common screening tests to take include:
- Stool-based tests, such as the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), are performed once every year.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: once every five years
- Colonoscopy: once every 10 years
- CT colonoscopy (virtual colonoscopy): once every 5 years
Additionally, some of the preventive measures to take include:
- Eating a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables
- Limiting the intake of processed meat
- Stopping tobacco smoking
- Avoiding alcohol consumption
- Leading an active lifestyle
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer can affect people of all ages. Although older adults should be more careful about developing the disease, younger individuals should also practise caution. Eating healthy, indulging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce a person’s risk of colorectal cancer. Moreover, getting regular screenings can also help diagnose the condition early.