Colorectal cancer

The Cayman Islands Cancer Society is observing April as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the world. It is more common in the western world than in developing countries. The World Health Organization estimates that 945,000 new cases occur yearly, with 492,000 deaths.

Cancer is a disease of cells; every type of cancer starts in the same way. It begins when the genetic information in a single cell becomes damaged in some way and causes the cell to divide at an uncontrolled rate. Normal cells grow, divide and die in an orderly fashion. Colorectal cancer occurs when cells in the colon and rectum do not behave in this way.

In most cases colorectal cancer starts as a polyp, (a small growth), on the inside of the colon or rectum which becomes malignant over a period of time. Not all polyps turn into cancer but early detection and removal prevents them from becoming cancerous.

The term ‘colorectal’ refers to the lower end of our digestive system, made up of the colon and rectum. These cancers are sometimes referred to singly as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. The job of the colon and rectum is to remove solid waste (fecal matter or stool) from the body.

Although we don’t know the exact causes of colorectal cancer, we do know that there are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing these cancers which include:

? Age: 90 per cent of colorectal cancer is diagnosed in adults over the age of 50.

? Being overweight or obese

? Lack of physical activity

? A diet that is low in vegetables and fiber and high in fat and red and processed meat

? Smoking

? High alcohol intake

? Having an inflammatory condition of the bowel such as ulcerative colitis or crohn’s disease

? Intestinal polyps

? Family history of colorectal cancer (particularly if diagnosed under age 45)

Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will get the disease. Some people who get the disease may not have any known risk factors.

The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

? Recent, persistent changes in bowel habits including diarrhea or constipation, particularly when combined with rectal bleeding

? Persistent abdominal pain

? A lump or obstruction in the abdomen

? Unexplained persistent blood in the stools

? Unexplained anemia or weight

? Unexplained feelings of extreme fatigue

? Unexplained vomiting

These symptoms could, however be due to other, less serious illness but it is important that you don’t ignore them. Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the symptoms.

It is important to be aware that bleeding is not only an early sign of colon cancer but could also be a sign of something less serious such as hemorrhoids.

Next week: Screening and reducing risk.