Colorectal Cancer

Risk Factors

Although the exact causes of colorectal cancer still undefined, following risk factors plays a major influencing indicator;  

• Influence of genetic factors (Family history),
• A personal history of colorectal polyps,
• As age gets older, risk of developing colorectal cancer goes up,
• Behavior risk factors such as smoking, drink lots of alcohol, being overweight, physical inactivity.
• Significant changes in the human diet, such as eating a lot of red meat and fat and processed meat and less of vegetable fibers on a regular basis, contributes to the development of this disease.

Symptoms

• Changes in bowel habits,
• Diarrhea or constipation,
• Feel bowel does not empty properly after a bowel movement,
• Black stools,
• Blood coming from the rectum
• Pain and bloating in the abdomen
• Feeling of full in the abdomen, even after not eating for a while.
• Fatigue or tiredness
• unexplained weight loss
• unexplained iron deficiency

Diagnosis

Depending on the age and general health, signs and symptoms, medical and family history, the results of previous medical tests, and type of cancer suspected by the doctor, the appropriate diagnosis can be conducted for further examination and confirmation.

• Blood tests
• Barium enema
• Ultrasound
• Colonoscopy
• CT or MRI
• Biopsy

Treatment

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy

Seeking suitable treatment for colorectal cancer will depend on various factors, such as the size, location, and stage of the cancer, etc. and depending on the tests result, medical history.

How to reduce risk and Prevent

• Reduce fat consumption,
• Increase fiber consumption,
• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables regularly
• Avoid eating meat, grilled meat, etc
• Avoid obesity
• Drink alcoholic beverages moderately
• Minimize the consumption of smoked and salty food

Where can spread

Colorectal cancer may possibly spread to the areas, such as

• Spread to liver through the mesenteric vein.
• Spread to lungs passing through the inferior vena cava.
• Spread to the network of lymph nodes through the colon
• Spread to the intestines