Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, also called large bowel cancer, is the term used to describe malignant tumours found in the colon and rectum. The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine of the digestive system, usually referred to as the gastrointestinal tract. Typically, the colon is the upper 5 or 6 feet of the large intestine, and the rectum is the lower 5 to 7 inches located above the anal canal.
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.
For most people, a tummy ache is just that. A simple tummy ache. It's something we tend to take very casually. But, on occasion, a stomach ache can be indicative of a far more serious problem - digestive track complications, colitis and even cancer. Tackling these conditions at an early stage ensures you a better chance of survival
Signs & Symptoms Of Hepatobillary Cancer
- Rectal cramping, or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal discomfort or bloating
- An urgency to move the bowels
- Unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, and/or weight loss.
- Persistent constipation or diarrhoea.
Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol & Tobacco use.
- Low fruit and vegetable intake
- Lack of regular physical activity
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Stages of Colorectal Cancer
- Stage I: Cancer has grown through the mucosa and has invaded the muscular layer of the colon or rectum.
- Stage II: Cancer has grown through the wall of the colon or rectum
- Stage III:Cancer has grown through the inner lining or into the muscle layers of the intestine and spread to one to three lymph nodes
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to different organ like lungs, bones, liver, lymph nodes, brain or spinal cord.
