The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines colorectal cancer as a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. It is often called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it starts.
Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best.
How does colorectal cancer start?
Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time (usually many years), but not all polyps become cancer. The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp it is. There are different types of polyps.
• Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps sometimes change into cancer. Because of this, adenomas are called a pre-cancerous condition. The 3 types of adenomas are tubular, villous, and tubulovillous.
• Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps: These polyps are more common, but in general they are not pre-cancerous. Some people with large (more than 1cm) hyperplastic polyps might need colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy more often.
• Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA): These polyps are often treated like adenomas because they have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.1
What are the risk factors?
The risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older. Other risk factors include having:
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
• A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).2
There are also a number of lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
They include:
• Lack of regular physical activity.
• A diet low in fruit and vegetables.
• A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats.
• Overweight and obesity.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Tobacco use.
You can take steps to reduce your risk by making changes in your everyday life. Making changes to the above can significantly reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. Getting regular exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables and foods that are high in fiber can help you avoid this cancer diagnosis. It is also important to limit your alcohol intake and eliminate tobacco altogether.
Signs and symptoms
On their website, The Mayo Clinic lists the following signs and symptoms for colorectal cancer:
• A persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
Many people with colorectal cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they’ll likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor and get proper tests.
If you are looking for a team of medical professionals to talk to you about your health, the team at Well-Being Medical Center in Naples is available and ready to help. They offer a wide variety of services including preventative care, health consultations, and pride themselves on patient satisfaction.
Contact Well-Being Medical Center of Naples today at (239) 315-7801.
Dr. Ricardo Martinez
Dr. Ricardo Martinez is an internist in Naples, FL and is affiliated with NCH Baker Hospital. He received his medical degree from Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba and has been in practice 20 years. He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish. He specializes in hospital medicine, ambulatory care and is experienced in hospice and palliative medicine, bariatric medicine, diabetes mellitus, food allergy, and infectious disease. As of March 16th, 2020, Dr. Martinez has founded Well-Being Medical center in Naples Florida. He is looking forward to providing Medical care within primary care settings and urgent care service throughout the Naples Florida area.
239-315-7801
www.well-beingmedicalcenter.org
851 5th Ave. N. Suite 102, Naples, FL 34102
1. What is colorectal cancer? How Does Colorectal Cancer Start? Available at:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/what-is-
colorectal-cancer.html.
2. What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer? (2022) Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available
at: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/risk_factors.htm.