Colorectal cancer is a disease that develops in the parts of the digestive system called the colon and rectum. It may not show symptoms in the early stages, but this is when treatment is most effective. That's why it’s essential to understand your risk factors for colon cancer and the screening options available.
In this colorectal cancer guide, we’ll explain what colorectal cancer is, how to identify signs and risk factors, and what treatment options are available.
- What Is Colorectal Cancer?
- Symptoms & Early Warning Signs
- Causes & Risk Factors
- Diagnosis & Screening
- Treatment Options
- Living with Colon Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer FAQs
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer develops when cancer cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably and invade nearby tissue or spread elsewhere in the body. You can have colon or rectal cancer separately, but they're collectively called "colorectal cancer" because of their proximity and similarities.
Most of the time, colorectal cancer begins as a polyp or growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps are common as you get older and are usually non-cancerous. But over time, some polyps start to grow abnormally and can eventually turn into cancer.
Different types of cells in the colon and rectum can become cancerous, with each related to different symptoms, screening methods, and treatment options. These are some of the main types of colorectal cancer:
- Adenocarcinomas start in the mucus lining the inside of the colon or rectum and account for the vast majority (95%) of cases.
- Neuroendocrine tumors can develop in the hormone-producing cells of the colon or rectum.
- Sarcomas can occur in the blood vessels, tissues, or muscles of the colon and rectum.
- Lymphomas can arise from immune cells in colon or rectum tissue and may involve nearby lymph nodes.
- Squamous cell carcinomas are extremely rare but can occur in the flat, thin cells lining the anal canal.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Early Warning Signs
The problem with colorectal cancer is that it often doesn’t show any symptoms in early stages, when it’s easiest to treat.
Report any symptoms of colorectal cancer to your healthcare provider, such as:
- New abdominal pain, bloating, or gas that won’t go away
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation
- Unexplained changes in stool shape
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained anemia or low red blood cell count
- A lump or mass in the abdominal area
- Unexplained fatigue
Some early warning signs can be easy to overlook. Fatigue, gas, diarrhea, and weight changes may not immediately raise concern for you or your loved one and can be mistaken for signs of other health issues. But these symptoms, as well as blood or mucus in the stool and abdominal lumps, should never be ignored. Detecting cancer early can increase your chances of survival.
Colorectal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Colorectal cancer occurs when the DNA in colon or rectal cells change, causing cells to become abnormal. This is called mutation. These cells begin growing and dividing uncontrollably.
Certain factors can raise your risk of developing colorectal cancer, including:
- Older age (risk increases with age, especially after 50)
- Having a family member with colorectal cancer or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- Certain genetic conditions
- Eating a diet high in fat and animal protein and low in fiber
- Not getting enough exercise
- Being overweight or obese
- Alcohol and tobacco use
Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Screening
Colorectal cancer can be difficult to detect early because it may not produce symptoms. It’s important to get screened for colon and rectal cancer so that, if it’s found, treatment can start immediately. These tests can identify signs of potential cancer, such as polyps, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
For most people, regular screening for colorectal cancer should start at age 45. You might be screened more often or earlier if you have certain risk factors, such as:
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- A genetic condition that raises the risk of cancer
Screening methods can include:
- A colonoscopy every 10 years
- Stool tests every one to three years
- Imaging like a CT colonography every five years, where X-rays and a computer help your doctor examine your colon on a screen
If your doctor suspects cancer from one of these screening tests, you’ll undergo additional testing to diagnose colorectal cancer. This may include a physical exam and rectal exam. A diagnostic colonoscopy, biopsy, and blood tests can confirm cancer and help determine treatment.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options
Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal issues. The five-year survival rate for early localized colorectal cancer is 90% with surgery.
Surgical treatment might involve:
- Removing Polyps: Known as a polypectomy, these polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy.
- Removing Cancerous Areas: Sometimes, the cancerous part can be taken out by a doctor inserting a tube through the rectum with a small cutting tool.
- Removing Parts of the Colon: If the two parts can’t be reattached, you may need a colostomy. This involves the doctor making an opening in the abdomen through which stool exits the body and is collected in a colostomy bag.
Other colorectal treatments can include:
- Chemotherapy: Medication that can destroy cancer cells but can also harm healthy cells, leading to side effects like nausea, hair loss, and mouth sores
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy radiation that kills cancer cells
- Cryosurgery: Uses a device that destroys cancerous tissue by freezing it
- Targeted Therapy: Medications designed to target and destroy only specific cancer cells
- Immunotherapy: Uses your body’s immune system to attack cancer cells
Living with Colon Cancer
Surviving colon cancer looks different for everyone. Some people need different treatments to manage the cancer and prevent it from coming back. Others might finish treatment but still have ongoing side effects or need care.
It’s normal for a person living with cancer and their caregivers to feel anxious about the cancer returning. Taking steps to care for your emotional well-being can help you manage stress. These include:
- Mindfulness practices
- Meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
If you’re a caregiver for someone with cancer, you might be helping with your loved one’s physical and emotional needs. For support during this time, consider these tips:
- Ask for help with personal care, daily activities, medical treatments, and companionship from friends, family, and professional caregivers.
- Seek respite care so you can take care of your own health and needs.
- Connect with support groups for people caring for a loved one with cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer
Who is at risk for colon cancer?
Certain groups of people are at higher risk for cancer than others, including those over age 50, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or specific genetic conditions, and those with inflammatory bowel disease.
How is colon cancer diagnosed?
Colon cancer is diagnosed through a physical exam, a rectal exam, a biopsy, and various stool tests and procedures like a diagnostic colonoscopy. Screening tests for colon cancer can detect cancer or suspicious polyps early, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
What is the main cause of colon cancer?
The main cause of colon cancer is when cells in the colon become abnormal. This results from changes in DNA, causing these abnormal cells to grow uncontrollably.
Can you recover from colon cancer?
Yes, with prompt treatment, you can recover from colon cancer. Surgery, if suitable for your situation, can provide the best chance of recovery, but there is still a possibility that the cancer might come back.
BrightStar Care® Can Support Colorectal Cancer Care
BrightStar Care caregivers and nurses can support you or your loved one during colorectal cancer treatment or recovery with companionship, personal care, in-home therapies, and skilled nursing.
Whether you're looking for nurse-led home care services or respite care services, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.