What You Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer - By Santa Nandi, MD
Dr. Santa Nandi is a gastroenterologist practicing in Hicksville, New York. Dr. Nandi specializes in the digestive system and its diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, which include organs from the mouth to the anus as well as liver disorders. Gastroenterology includes conditions such as hepatitis, peptic ulcer... more
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer of either the colon or rectum, which is located in the digestive tract's lower end. Some of the symptoms may include changes in the bowel movements, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, weakness or fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. However, there are a lot of patients who do not experience any symptoms in the cancer's early stages. Symptoms typically depend on the cancer's size and location in the large intestine.
Causes of colorectal cancer
Most of the time, the causes of colon cancer aren't clear. However, doctors know that this cancer might be linked to the patient's DNA. There are also several risk factors that can increase patients' risk, like if you are older than 50; are African American; have a history of colonic polyps; have a family history of colon cancer; and lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Colon cancer screenings
If you are 50 years old, you should consider getting screened for colon cancer. However, if you have an increased risk, like a family history of colon cancer, you should consider getting screened sooner—in your forties.
The prevention of colon cancer
The best way to prevent the disease is with lifestyle changes. Some steps you should take include changing your diet, cutting out alcohol, exercising regularly, and monitoring your weight. Also, if you have a high risk of colon cancer, some medications, like aspirin, may reduce your risk of precancerous polyps or colon cancer. However, there is not enough evidence to support this.
