Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month for March observed

Affecting the colon and rectum colorectal cancer is in the spotlight with the arrival of March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Located in the colon (as the large intestine or large bowel) and rectum (the passageway that connects the colon to the anus) colorectal cancer is also known as colon cancer, for short.

According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), colorectal cancer begins when the process of the normal replacement of lining cells goes awry.

Mistakes in mucosal cell division occur frequently for reasons that are poorly understood, sometimes mistakes occur that escape our editing systems.

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When this occurs, cells begin to divide independently of the normal checks and balances that control growth.

As abnormal cells grow and divide, they can lead to growths within the colon called polyps.

Polyps vary in type, but many are precancerous tumours that grow slowly over several years and do not spread.

As polyps grow, additional genetic mutations further destabilise cells and can make the cells more unusual.

“When these precancerous tumours change the direction of growth and invade other layers of the large intestine, such as the submucosa or muscular layer, the precancerous polyp has become cancerous,” stated the association.

In most cases, this process is slow, taking at least eight to 10 years to develop from those early aberrant cells to cancerous cells.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide.

It accounts for 10% of all cancer cases and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.

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The WHO said the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Most cases affect people over 50 years old.

Other risk factors include:

Factors that may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer include:

• A family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

• Individuals who have had colorectal cancer before or certain types of polyps are at a higher risk;  and

• Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as a diet high in processed meats and low in fruits and vegetables, sedentary behaviour, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can increase the risk as well.

Although colorectal cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages WHO stated that regular screenings are important to diagnose the disease early and begin treatment.

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Common symptoms include:

• Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool

• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.

• Abdominal cramps, pain or bloating that would not go away

• Unexplained weight loss that is sudden or losing weight without trying

• Feeling constantly tired or lacking energy, even with enough rest

• Having an iron deficiency anaemia due to chronic bleeding, causing fatigue, weakness and paleness.

According to WHO, lifestyle changes and regular screening can help prevent colorectal cancer.

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Other preventative measures include:

• Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

• Not smoking tobacco.

• Having an active lifestyle.

• Limiting alcohol consumption.

• Avoiding exposure to environmental risk factors.

Treatment for colorectal cancer is based on the type and progression of the cancer and the person’s medical history.

Early detection of colorectal cancer can lead to better treatments and outcomes.

Some treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

For more information contact Cansa at info@cansa.org.za; alternatively phone 0800 22 6622.