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COLORECTAL CANCER is a type of cancer that affects the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It can cause severe harm and death. The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Most cases affect people over 50 years old.
Common symptoms include diarrhoea, constipation, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and low iron levels. Many people will not have symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
The risk of colorectal cancer can be reduced by eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, not smoking tobacco, and limiting alcohol. Regular screenings are crucial for early detection.
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In 2020, more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer and more than 930,000 deaths due to colorectal cancer were estimated to have occurred worldwide. Large geographical variations in incidence and mortality rates were observed.
The incidence rates were highest in Europe, Australia and New Zealand; and the mortality rates were highest in Eastern Europe. By 2040, the burden of colorectal cancer will increase to 3.2 million new cases per year (an increase of 63 per cent) and 1.6 million deaths per year (an increase of 73 per cent).
According to Dr Orlando Thomas, medical doctor and functional medicine practitioner at Thomas Medical and Shockwave Centre, lifestyle and dietary factors may be responsible for the high incidence of colorectal cancer in industrialised countries.
“Consumption of high amounts of red and processed meat and low intake of fibre and multiple protective phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains might be responsible for the high incidence of this type of cancer,” Dr Thomas said.
“Additionally, obesity, lack of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, sleep deprivation, and other factors have been proven to further increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Identifying and understanding the mechanisms through which they impact colon carcinogenesis is needed for the introduction of protective lifestyle recommendations,” he added.
Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages. Regular screenings are important to catch the disease early.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool;
• Blood in the stool (rectal bleeding), either bright red or dark and tar-like;
• Abdominal cramps, pain or bloating that won’t go away;
• Unexplained weight loss that is sudden, and losing weight without trying;
• Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy, even with enough rest;
• Iron-deficiency anaemia due to chronic bleeding, causing fatigue, weakness and paleness.
WAYS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR COLORECTAL HEALTH
• Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains: Diets that include lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked with a decreased risk of colon or rectal cancer. Also, eat less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats), which have been linked with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
• Get regular exercise: If you are not physically active, you may have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer. Being more active may help reduce your risk. Take control of your weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of getting and dying from colon or rectal cancer. Eating healthier and increasing your physical activity can help you control your weight.
• Do not smoke: People who have been smoking for a long time are more likely than people who do not smoke to develop and die from colon or rectal cancer.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol use has been linked with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. It is best to not drink alcohol, but if you do, the American Cancer Society recommends no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. A single drink equals 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1½ ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor).
KEY POINTS
• Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10 per cent of all cancer cases, and is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
• It predominantly affects older individuals, with the majority of cases occurring in people age 50 and above.
• Several lifestyle factors contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, such as a high intake of processed meats and low intake of fruits and vegetables, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Colorectal cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment options are limited.
• The incidence and impact of colorectal cancer can be significantly reduced by implementing primary prevention strategies, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, avoiding risk factors, and practising early detection through screening.
SOURCE: World Health Organization
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