What is Colorectal Cancer? Causes-Symptoms and Treatment
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This is also the fifth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. For a better understanding on colorectal cancer, read this concise yet comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of this disease, including: 1. The causes and symptoms of colorectal cancer 2. How to tell if you have colorectal cancer 3. How to treat colorectal cancer 4. What can you do to prevent it 5. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, what should you do.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer or colorectal cancer) is a type of cancer that can grow in your colon and rectum. Colon cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, and it’s responsible for about one-third of all colorectal cancers. It’s also the second leading cause of death from colorectal cancer, behind only lung and breast cancers.
Since the disease has such a strong impact on people’s lives, it’s crucial to learn about this deadly disease so you’ll be prepared when you’re diagnosed with it. This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know about colorectal cancer and how to protect yourself from it.
Causes and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
The colorectal cancer (CRC) is a form of cancer that affects the colon, rectum, and anus. The colon is the largest part of your digestive system. It’s also where you store most of your food and fresh water. For that reason, it’s critical to keep it clean and healthy, especially if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or any other type of bowel cancer.
If you want to learn more about the symptoms of colorectal cancer, read this guide on the 6 most common symptoms and how to tell if you have one.
How to tell if you have colorectal cancer
The best way to figure out if you have colorectal cancer is a simple blood test. A colonoscopy can be done to get a look at the colon and rectum. The doctor will then use a special instrument known as an endoscope to look inside your colon, rectum and any other organs along the way.
This test is very easy to do, but it’s important that you’re completely informed about how this test is done and what could happen if you have complications from it.
If you’ve been in possession of the following symptoms for more than six months or have had any of these symptoms in the past year, then it’s likely that you have colorectal cancer: 1. Abdominal pain 2. An abnormal mass 3. Bloating 4. Blood in your stool 5. Cramping 6. Diarrhea 7. Fatigue 8. Fatigue lasting 24 hours 9. Fever 10. Nausea 11. Pain in your lower right abdomen 12. Weakness 13. Womb pain 14. Very tired 15-20 minutes later (before having the bowel movement) 16-20 minutes later (after having the bowel movement) 17-20 minutes after eating 18-30 minutes later
How to treat colorectal cancer
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death. In fact, it’s a leading cause in many other countries.
There are two primary ways to treat colorectal cancer: surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical treatment consists of removing as much of the colon as possible for removal and reconstruction of the small intestine. This procedure is successful about one-third of the time. Chemotherapy involves administering chemotherapy drugs that kill off unhealthy growths in the colon, such as cancer cells and blood clots (thrombosis). This type of treatment works about half of the time.
What can you do to prevent it?
The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to follow your doctor’s instructions. However, there are certain lifestyle factors that can potentially increase your risk of developing the disease.
To keep from having colorectal cancer, make sure you: 1. Get enough sleep 2. Maintain a healthy weight 3. Have regular colonoscopies 4. Eat a balanced diet 5. Practice good hygiene 6. Quit smoking 7. Avoid alcohol and caffeine 8. Exercise regularly 9. Drink plenty of water 10. Take your vitamins
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, what should you do?
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the world, behind breast cancer. It is a disease that you can easily prevent by keeping your body in good health.
Unfortunately, it’s estimated that one out of three Americans will be diagnosed with this disease at some point during their lifetimes. Furthermore, approximately 80 percent of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer are diagnosed at an early stage. This means your chances of surviving this disease are extremely low.
So what can you do to protect yourself? The best way to prevent this disease is to eat a wholesome diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Additionally, you should make sure you’re following a healthy lifestyle as well as practicing regular physical activity.
Read on to find out more about how to avoid colorectal cancer!