In 2023, more than 153,020 new cases of colorectal cancer were recorded in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Cancer of the colon and rectum is known as colorectal cancer. They develop from the cells of the inner lining of the colon or rectum, mainly through the progressive transformation of benign polyps.
Colonoscopy
What are the warning signs of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer can cause a number of symptoms. These include the following:
- Blood in the stool
- The alternation between diarrhea and constipation
- Abdominal pain and pain in the rectum
- A frequent need to have a bowel movement
- An unexplained worsening of the general condition (unexplained weight loss and poor appetite, fatigue, etc.)
In most cases, it is also possible to detect a mass by palpation of the abdomen or rectal examination. Rectal cancer can also be suspected if the blood test from the stool performed as part of the organized screening for colorectal cancer turns out to be positive.
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Colorectal cancer prevention
To reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, it is advisable to follow a number of healthy lifestyle habits. In particular, it is advisable to limit the consumption of red meat, cold cuts, marinated and fried products and to favor vegetables and dairy products. Regular physical activity and reduced alcohol consumption can also help prevent colorectal cancer.
As the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force explains, colorectal cancer screening is recommended for men and women starting at age 45. In fact, starting at around the age of 45 most of the major health insurance companies in the US start to recommend that their members do cancer screenings through colonoscopies. However, this screening campaign is mostly aimed at patients who have no symptoms, no personal or family history of polyps, cancer, or diseases affecting the colon or rectum, and no specific risk factors. For those with a family history of colorectal cancers, screenings should start much earlier as they are at a much higher risk of developing the deadly condition.
Read Also: Dostarlimab (Jemperli) Cures Colorectal Cancer without the Need for Surgery or Chemotherapy
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). What Should I Know About Screening for Colorectal Cancer? Retrieved August 5, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/
American Cancer Society. (2023, January 13). Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer. Retrieved August 5, 2023, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
