Colorectal cancer is one of
the most common cancers in the world, especially in the richer countries but
its incidence is rising in some developing nations.
Under normal circumstances, our
body cells grow, divide and produce new cells to ensure the proper functioning
of various organs. But due to genetics, diet, environment as well as other
factors, some intestinal cells might grow out of control and develop into benign
colon polyps. In the early stage, polyps may be as small as a red bean.
Afterwards, it might grow into malignant tumor, that is, it becomes colorectal
cancer.
Studies show a higher risk
of colorectal cancer in people eating a diet low in vegetables, legumes and
whole cereals. Frequent consumption of red meat increases the risk.
In addition to dietary
factor, polyps can be caused by two kinds of inherited disorder -
"Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)" and "Hereditary
non-polyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC)".
Research found that in such
cases, Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) which inhibits the growth of colon
cancer gene or Mismatch Repair Genes (MMR) which repair DNA undergo mutations.
This affects the normal operation of cells, leading to the growth of colorectal
polyps and increases
risk for the colorectal cancer.
Early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances for successful
treatment. This can be done by fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy method is more accurate.
Polyps found during the inspection process can be removed immediately. In general,
the entire examination takes about 45 minutes. Because it takes about 10 years
for the polyps to develop into cancer, if the initial inspection shows that no
polyps exists, you can check it 10 years later.
If
diagnosed at an early stage, 90% of patients survive at least five years,
compared to no more than 8% of those diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Stool bleeding, intermittent
constipation or diarrhea are some of the common symptoms of colorectal cancer. And so it
should not be taken lightly.
