Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that involves the large intestine and the rectum. It starts from a polyp and would usually take 10 years to develop into full-blown cancer. There are very few symptoms that would appear during the early stages of the disease therefore regular screening is recommended. Persons above the age of 60 are those often affected by this type of cancer.
Risk factorsMajor risk factors of colorectal cancer include advanced age and family history. Other contributing factors are smoking, obesity, being physically inactive, excessive alcohol intake and a diet high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables.
- Change in bowel habits.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowel.
Screening
Early detection and screening is very important because up to 90% of colorectal cancers could be cured with early diagnosis making it one of the most preventable cancers. 50 years old is the recommended age where screening for colorectal cancer should begin. However, if the patient has a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or certain inherited conditions, screening should be done earlier or more frequently.
The most commonly used screening options are as follows:
FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test)
- tests for the presence of tiny amounts of blood in the stool, in case it cannot be seen grossly. It is very cost-effective as it only costs between 200-400 pesos. This is recommended to be done yearly from age 50 onwards.
- a flexible tube camera that is inserted in the anus to view up to the sigmoid colon to check for polyps or masses. Done every three years.
- similar to sigmoidoscopy but would check the entire length of the colon. Although more invasive, it is the most accurate test for diagnosing colorectal cancer. Done every five years.
