What is Colon Rectal Cancer?

It occurs in the bowel, which is also known as the intestine and includes the colon (large intestine) and the rectum, which is the lower six inches of the tract. In colorectal cancer, 70% of malignancies occur in the colon (the large intestine) and 30% appear in the rectum.

What is Cancer?

Cancer cells are very similar to cells of the organism from which they originated and have similar (but not identical) DNA and RNA. This is the reason why they are not very often detected by the immune system, in particular if it is weakened. Cancer cells usually have an increased ability to divide rapidly and their number of divisions is not limited by telomeres on DNA (a counter system to limit number of divisions to 40-60). This can lead to the formation of large masses of tissue and in turn may lead to disruption of bodily functions due to destruction of organs or vital structures.

What causes colon rectal cancer?

In most cases, the precise cause is unknown but there are a number of contributory factors which include:
- A family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. Approximately 5% of cancers of the colon occur in families with a predisposition to the disease.
- It usually occurs in people over 50.
- Women are at a slightly higher risk than men.
- Those in industrialised parts of the worlds are more susceptible.
- It is thought that a high-meat, high-fat, low- fibre diet encourages the production of carcinogens (cancer-causing substances).

What is the symptoms of colon rectal cancer?

There may not be any symptoms initially. When symptom do occur, they vary widely depending on the location of the cancer within the large intestine. The first symptom may be an inexplicable change in the bowel habit, persisting for more than 10 days. Other symptoms may include: rectal bleeding, blood in the stool and abdominal pain. Some patients might only feel a general weakness and fatigue due to iron deficiency anaemia. Unexplained weight loss may also be noted