Anatomy of the Colon
Anatomy of the Colon
What is Colorectal Cancer?
“Colorectal cancer, otherwise known as Colon cancer, is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum begin to behave abnormally.
The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Sometimes, there are irregular growths that can form in the colon or rectum, called polyps. These polyps can then manifest into cancer.
Screening helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best because identifying these polyps early is essential for effective treatment. Importantly, screening tests allow for early detection of abnormalities and removal of polyps before they become cancerous.
Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Non-modifiable Risk Factors
- Age- the older you get, the higher the risk
- Personal/Family History
- A genetic syndrome e.g familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), hereditary non-polyposis Colorectal Cancer (LYNCH syndrome)
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Low fruit and vegetable intake
- Low fiber; high fat diets
- Excessive consumption of processed meats
- Alcohol consumption Tobacco use
- Overweight/Obesity”
#3
leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in Barbados.
1 IN 20
Average Individual Risk.
90%
of new cases occur in people 50 and older.
2-3 TIMES
greater risk of developing colon cancer with family history
90%
Survival Rate When Cancer is found and treated early
What are the symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer may include:
- A change in bowel movements
- Blood in or on your stool
- Constipation
- A feeling like the bowel does not empty sufficiently
- Abdominal pain, aches or cramps that do not subside
- Unexplainable weight loss
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms do not directly mean colorectal cancer, but the only way to determine the cause of the symptoms is to see a doctor.