Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Prevention
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine.
It is the 4th most common cancer in men &
5th most common cancer in women in India.*
(*IARC Global Cancer Observatory Data 2020)
Symptoms of colorectal cancer:
Colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms.
When they occur, symptoms may include:
- Blood in the stool, rectal bleeding
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away
- Sudden unexplained weight loss
- Weakness and/or fatigue
Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people ages 45 years and older, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people.
Risk factors of colorectal cancer:
While anyone can develop colorectal cancer, a few conditions can increase risk such as:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
- Poor lifestyle, dietary habits, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
Prevention of colorectal cancer:
There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, for instance:
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
- Eat a healthy diet – rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in red meat and processed meats
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy body weight
Remember, ANYBODY CAN GET COLORECTAL CANCER!
Screening is the No. 1 way to prevent or detect this disease early when it’s most treatable.
How to screen for colorectal cancer?
There are 2 major screening tests for colorectal cancer:
- STOOL OCCULT BLOOD
- COLONOSCOPY
When to start screening for cancer?
The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened routinely, beginning at the age of 45 years.
