Understanding Colorectal Cancer: What Patients and Communities Should Know
Understanding Colorectal Cancer: What Patients and Communities Should Know
You can prevent colorectal cancer, which includes colon and rectum cancer. But, it can be deadly if not detected early. It often starts as a small growth (polyp) in the lining of the colon or rectum, which over time can become cancerous. With early screening and community awareness, survival rates can see significant improvement.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum, which is the last part of the digestive tract. The risk affects both men and women, but it rises sharply after the age of 50.
Cancer can remain without symptoms in its early stages, making screening vital. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool).
Blood in the stool
Persistent abdominal discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue or weakness.
Risk Factors
Understanding risk factors helps communities take preventive action. Common risk factors include:
Age (50+)
Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
Low-fiber, high-fat diets
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
Smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Screening and Diagnosis
Early detection saves lives. Screening is crucial because colorectal cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms. Recommended tests include:
Colonoscopy: Detects and removes polyps before they become cancerous.
Stool tests: Detect hidden blood or DNA markers.
Sigmoidoscopy and imaging scans are useful for monitoring and staging cancer.
Community health campaigns should encourage regular screenings for people over 45. Those at higher risk should start even earlier.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s health. Common approaches include:
Surgical Treatment
Removal of cancerous sections of the colon or rectum.
May involve a temporary or permanent colostomy.
Chemotherapy
Administered before or after surgery to kill cancer cells and prevent their spread.
Radiation Therapy
Often used in rectal cancer to shrink tumors before surgery.
Targeted and immunotherapies
New treatments target specific cancer cell markers or enhance the immune response.
Patient and Community Support
Living with or recovering from colorectal cancer affects physical, emotional, and social well-being. As a community, we must:
Support awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, and health centers.
Encourage open conversations about symptoms and the importance of screening.
Provide psychological and emotional support for patients and caregivers.
Offer resources on nutrition, physical activity, and rehabilitation.
What Patients Can Expect Post-Treatment
With proper treatment, many patients go on to live full, active lives. During recovery, patients may experience:
Temporary discomfort or changes in bowel habits.
Emotional stress or anxiety.
Changes in body image, especially after surgery.
Health pros are key in teaching patients about wound care, diet, and follow-up care. Community programs and peer groups also help patients adjust and thrive.
Together, we can reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.
We raise awareness, support patients, and promote regular screening. This helps individuals and families fight colorectal cancer. Let’s join forces as a community to save lives. We can do this through prevention, early detection, and caring support.
If you're 45 or older—or have a family history—speak with a healthcare provider about screening today. Early action can save your life.