Colon and Rectal Cancer involve the colon and the rectum.

Risk factors

• Family history of colon and rectal cancer.
• Colon and rectal polyps.
• Diet rich in animal fat.
• Diet rich in animal proteins.
• Diet poor in fiber, vegetables and fruits.

Symptoms

Common Symptoms are:-

• Blood in the stool.
• Change in bowel habit.
• Constipation or diarrhoea.
• Black or dark-colored stool.
• Rectal swelling/growth.
• Weight loss.
• Abdominal pain/bloating/discomfort.

Diagnosis

• History is suggestive.
• The doctor will recommend colonoscopy and biopsy will be taken to confirm the diagnosis of colon cancer.
• Endoscopic ultra-sound and MRI are used to stage (spread) rectal cancer.
• CTSCAN is used to stage colon cancer.

Treatment

Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the stage (spread) and fitness of the patient.

• Very early stage( 0&1) endoscopic removal (resection) is recommended.
• Stage 2 & 3, surgery is recommended.
• For advanced rectal cancer (Stage 3 & 4) chemotherapy and radiotherapy are recommended.
• Advanced colon cancer (stage 4) chemotherapy is recommended.
• Palliative care (supportive care) is useful for patients with the advanced disease.
• Multimodal treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy) are beneficial to certain patients.