Causes of Colorectal Cancer
Genetic Factors & Family History – A family history of colorectal cancer or inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome increases risk.
Diet High in Red & Processed Meats – Consuming large amounts of processed meats and low-fiber foods may contribute to cancer development.
Chronic Inflammation (IBD) – Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Obesity & Sedentary Lifestyle – Lack of physical activity and excessive body weight contribute to higher cancer risk.
Smoking & Excessive Alcohol Consumption – These habits can damage colon cells and promote cancerous changes.
Age & Polyp Development – The risk increases after age 50, especially with the presence of precancerous polyps.
Polypectomy & Local Excision: Removal of small cancerous polyps during a colonoscopy.
Colectomy (Colon Resection Surgery):
Proctectomy (for Rectal Cancer): Surgical removal of part or all of the rectum.
Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Often used for rectal cancer before or after surgery.
Types:
Uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
Commonly used in:
Focuses on specific cancer cell mechanisms to block growth.
Common targeted drugs include:
Helps the immune system attack cancer cells.
Mainly used for microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancers.
Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab) are commonly used.
Aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in advanced-stage colorectal cancer.
May include pain management, nutritional support, or treatments to reduce tumor-related complications.
Surgery: The most common treatment for early-stage colorectal cancer, involving tumor removal through minimally invasive or open procedures.
Chemotherapy: Used before or after surgery to shrink tumors or kill remaining cancer cells. Often used for advanced cancer.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams target cancer cells, commonly used for rectal cancer or advanced cases.
Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific cancer cell mutations, often combined with chemotherapy for advanced cases.
Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system fight cancer, mainly for patients with specific genetic markers like MSI-H or dMMR.
Lifestyle and Follow-up Care: Patients should maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise, and undergo routine screenings to monitor recurrence.
Yes, colorectal cancer treatment is highly effective, especially when detected early. Advanced therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation help in managing and eliminating cancer cells.
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, bowel changes, and hair loss (from chemotherapy). Side effects vary depending on the type of treatment and are usually manageable.
Recovery depends on the type of treatment. Surgery may require a few weeks, while chemotherapy and radiation treatments may take months for full recovery.
Yes, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and getting routine screenings can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer can be detected at various stages, but early detection through regular screenings (colonoscopy) significantly improves treatment success.