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.
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.
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