Colorectal cancer has become the second leading cause of cancer-linked deaths globally.
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Colorectal cancer is absolutely curable if caught in the initial stage.
However, advanced stage of Colorectal cancer can be fatal. Some of the common signs of Colorectal cancer include persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, fatigue.
The cancer often starts with no symptoms at all and it has been rising in young adults.
Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that begins in the colon or rectum, generally evolving from benign growths known as polyps. It is absolutely curable if caught in the initial stage. However, advanced stage of Colorectal cancer can be fatal. Some of the common signs of Colorectal cancer include persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, fatigue. The cancer often starts with no symptoms at all and it has been rising in young adults.
According to a report featured in World Health Organisation, colorectal cancer has emerged as third most common cancer all over the world that accounts for nearly 10% of all cancer cases. It has also become the second leading cause of cancer-linked deaths globally. It tends to affect people aged 50 or above. However, its cases are rising among adults (30-50 years old) in some settings. 1
Various lifestyle factors can lead to the development of colorectal cancer like excessive intake of processed meats, low consumption of fruits, vegetables, leading a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, alcohol intake, and smoking, among others.
Recently, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford, took to his Instagram account and explained key facts about colorectal cancer. 2
1. Colorectal Cancer Often Starts With No Symptoms At All: The gut doctor said, “many people feel completely normal while precancerous polyps silently grow for years.”
One of the most frightening facts about the cancer is that it may develop silently. In the initial stages, many individuals experience no pain or noticeable symptoms at all. This is the reason why regular screening has become significant especially after the age of 45 or for individuals with a family history of the disease.
2. Changes In Bowel Habits Should Never Be Ignored: Dr Sethi said, “thinner pencil-shaped stools can be an early warning sign” of colorectal cancer.
If you notice frequent constipation, diarrhea, narrow stools, or abrupt changes in bowel habits, it can signal colorectal cancer. While these symptoms may also occur due to diet or minor stomach problem, persistent changes should be checked by a doctor.
3. Blood In Stool Often Dismissed As Hemorrhoids: “Rectal bleeding should always be discussed with your doctor,” emphasised Dr Saurabh Sethi. Several individuals assume blood in the stool may be caused due to piles or hemorrhoids, and overlook it. But, rectal bleeding can also be a significant warning sign of this cancer type. Even minor amounts of blood should never be dismissed without medical advice.
4. Fatigue Can Be One Of The First Clues: The doctor said, “slow internal bleeding can quietly cause iron deficiency anemia and exhaustion.” You may feel exhausted all the time and it may not be due to insufficient sleep or anxiety. Slow internal bleeding caused by the cancer can lead to anemia which results in weakness and tiredness. If tiredness persists despite adequate rest, it should be checked.
5. Feeling Like You Still Need To Go After A Bowel Movement Matters: “A constant sensation of incomplete emptying can sometime signal a rectal growth,” noted the AIIMS-trained doctor. If you get a constant urge to have a bowel movement, even after using the washroom, it can be a potential warning sign of the cancer. The sensation may indicate a blockage or growth in the rectum or colon. Several people ignore this symptom as it feels minor in the beginning.
6. Colorectal Cancer Is Rising In Young Adults: The gut doctor said that more people under 50 are being diagnosed than ever before. Earlier, the cancer was largely seen in older people. However, doctors are witnessing an increased number of cases among younger adults in their 30s. Poor diet, obesity, lack of physical exercises, smoking, stress can be contributing factors. The rise in colorectal cancer indicates the significance of paying attention to symptoms irrespective of age.
7. Polyps Can Turn Into Cancer Over Time: The gut doctor said, “most colorectal cancers begin as small growths that can be removed before they become dangerous.” A large number of these cancers start as small growths known as polyps inside the colon or rectum. These polyps are generally non-cancerous at first but can slowly become cancerous over years. Regular screening can help doctors identify and eliminate polyps before they turn harmful.
8. Family History Dramatically Increases Risk: Having a parent or sibling with colorectal cancer can significantly raise your chances, said the doctor. Individuals with a close family member who has had a colorectal cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease. In some instances, inherited genetic conditions can also enhance the possibilities of cancer. Knowing your family history can help doctors suggest earlier and more regular screenings.
FAQs
What makes colorectal cancer difficult to detect in its early stages?
Colorectal cancer often starts without any symptoms, as precancerous polyps grow silently for years. Many individuals feel normal during the initial stages, making regular screening, especially after age 45 or with a family history, crucial for early detection.
How do lifestyle factors contribute to the risk of colorectal cancer?
Excessive intake of processed meats, low consumption of fruits and vegetables, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, alcohol use, and smoking are key lifestyle factors linked to higher colorectal cancer risk. These habits can promote the development of polyps that may turn cancerous over time.
How effective is regular screening in preventing advanced colorectal cancer?
Regular screening is highly effective as it detects polyps before they become cancerous. Removal of these benign growths prevents progression to malignancy, thereby reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, especially important for high-risk groups and those over 45.
Why is blood in stool often overlooked, and why should it not be ignored?
Many people mistakenly attribute blood in stool to hemorrhoids and dismiss it. However, rectal bleeding can be an early and critical warning sign of colorectal cancer. Even small amounts of blood should prompt medical evaluation to rule out malignancy.
Does having a family history of colorectal cancer affect screening recommendations?
Yes, individuals with a parent or sibling diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a significantly increased risk. Inherited genetic conditions can also raise this risk, making earlier and more frequent screenings essential for timely detection and prevention.
Dr Saurabh Sethi, AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist and liver specialist, also educated at Harvard and Stanford, via Instagram|8 Shocking Truths About Colorectal Cancer Most People Don’t Know
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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