No one knows when cancer in the colon or rectum will develop, but understanding the risk factors for colorectal cancer may help you take measures to reduce the likelihood of getting the disease. Patients with a higher risk should consult their doctor about when to get a colonoscopy or a stool test, which may help spot early signs of the disease.


Colon cancer is the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer. It is a multifactorial disease process, with etiology encompassing genetic factors, environmental exposures (including diet), and inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract. 

WHAT IS COLON CANCER?

Colorectal cancer or colon  is a cancer that starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. Both of these organs are in the lower portion of your digestive system. The rectum is at the end of the colon. Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Polyps may be small and produce few therefore doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.


It can be controlled through these processes such as surgery, radiation therapy and drug treatments,chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.


Most colorectal cancers are due to old age and lifestyle factors, with only a small number of cases due to underlying genetic disorders. Risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Dietary factors that increase the risk include red meat, processed meat, and alcohol. Another risk factor is inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some of the inherited genetic disorders that can cause colorectal cancer include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.

There are stages of colorectal cancer;

•Stage 0- This is the earliest stage of colorectal cancer. It is known as carcinoma in situ, in this stage abnormal cells are only in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. 

•Stage 1- The cancer has penetrated the lining, or mucosa, of the colon or rectum and may have grown into the muscle layer. It hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the body.

•Stage 2- The cancer has spread to the walls of the colon or rectum or through the walls to nearby tissues but hasn’t affected the lymph nodes.

•Stage 3- The cancer has moved to the lymph nodes but not to other parts of the body.

•Stage 4- The cancer has spread to other distant organs, such as the liver or lungs.

SYMPTOMS OF COLORECTAL CANCER.
•Diaherra.
•Changes in stool color. 
•Blood in stool.
•Bleeding from rectum.
•Constipation.
•Abdominal cramps
•Abdominal pain. 
•Excessive gas.

Stage 3 and stage 4 of colorectal cancer may be noticeable and symptoms include;
•Unexplained weakness.
•Unintentionally weight loss. 
•Vomiting.
•changes in your stool that last longer than a month.
•Feeling that your bowels won't be completely empty.

If colorectal cancer spreads to other parts of your body, you may also experience;
•Jaundice or yellow eyes and skin.
•swelling in the hands or feet.
•Breathing difficulties.
•Chronic headaches.
•Blurry vision.
•Bone fractures.

CAUSES OF COLORECTAL CANCER.

Cancer may be caused by genetic mutations, either inherited or acquired. These mutations don’t guarantee you’ll develop colorectal cancer, but they do increase your chances.

TYPES OF COLORECTAL CANCER.
•Adenocarcinoma- This is the most common of them all. This is a cancer of the cells that line the inside surface of the colon.

•Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors which can start off as benign and then become cancerous (They usually form in the digestive tract, but rarely in the colon.)

•Lymphoma- Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system. It more commonly starts in the lymph nodes but can start in the colon.

•Carcinoids- Carcinoid tumors start in hormone-producing cells in the intestines.

•Sarcomas- Sarcomas, which form in soft tissues such as muscles in the colon.

Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed through these factors;
•Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT).
•At-home tests.
•Sigmoidoscopy.
•Blood testing.
•Colonoscopy.
•X-ray.
•CT scan.
•Fecal testing.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to inform your doctor for medical checkup. Stay safe😁