Colon and Rectal Cancer - Symptoms and Treatment 

The last portion of the large intestine is the colon. Rectum is the end of the colon which is further connected to the anus. Large intestine cancer includes cancer of the rectum as well as the colon which are malignant in both the genders.

What are the risk factors related to colorectal cancer?

1. Colorectal cancer is seen to affect those who have had a family history of the same.
2. Polyps found in the rectum or in the colon or both personal or with a family history are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
3. Those having a history of ulcerative colitis.
4. High fat diet and a poor diet of fiber intake are also prone to develop colorectal cancer.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancers?

The most common symptoms to detect colorectal cancers is that there is a change in the frequency, size and shape of the stools, passing blood in the stools is also common, pain in the lower abdominal region is also an indication that the tumor is blocking the bowel. Sudden weight loss, fatigue, anemia etc are also other signs and symptoms of colorectal cancers. There is a passage of occult blood in the stool.

What is the mode of treatment?

Family history along with physical examination is the first evaluation test for colorectal cancer. Then you are subjected to digital rectal examination which helps detect cancer of the lower rectal cancers. Apart from this blood tests are carried out, stool is sent for occult examination, colorectal screening test kits are available and this test can be carried out at your house also to check your stools regularly.

Two other procedures are used to view the inner linings of the rectum and colon and they are the use of colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy which are nothing but a sort of endoscopic procedures. This procedure helps to view the inside of the rectum and the colon and also take a few tissue pieces for specimen tests apart from this the procedure also helps remove any polyps or growth in the anal region.

Tumors are removed with the help of endoscope. If the cancer is detected early the chances of survival is nearly five years after the removal of the affected part and in some cases there has been no signs and symptoms of recurrence. In some cases where is a chance of the tumor spreading then removal of the affected part is best recommended.

Colostomy is a artificial opening that helps remove the body wastes after the removal of the affected part from the bowel. This can be a temporary opening or in some cases a permanent one. Here the mode of treatment may be either radiation or both a combination of radiation as well as chemotherapy. Nutrition plays an important part in the recovery of the patient.

How do you prevent colorectal cancer?

Regular physical examination above the age of 40 is recommended, regular screening of the stool to find any traces of occult blood, increase your high fiber diet and cut down on fats, family history of colorectal cancer need to take extra care and precaution and follow the doctor’s advice to carry out all the tests.