What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer involves a combination of epithelial tumors of the large intestine, rectum, and anal canal.
Improvements in screening and treatment methods have reduced the mortality rate from colorectal cancer.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- changes in bowel habits
- diarrhea or constipation
- a feeling that the bowel does not empty properly after a bowel movement
- blood in feces that makes stools look black
- bright red blood coming from the rectum
- pain and bloating in the abdomen
- a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, even after not eating for a while.
- fatigue or tiredness
- unexplained weight loss
- unexplained iron deficiency in men, or in women after menopause
Most of these symptoms may also indicate other possible conditions. It is important to see a doctor if symptoms persist for 4 weeks or more.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on several factors, including the size, location, and stage of the cancer, whether or not it is recurrent, and the current overall state of health of the patient.
Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
Risk factors include:
- older age
- a diet that is high in animal protein, saturated fats, and calories
- a diet that is low in fiber
- high alcohol consumption
- having had breast, ovary, or uterine cancer
- a family history of colorectal cancer
- having ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel disease (IBD)
- overweight and obesity
- smoking
- a lack of physical activity
Colorectal Cancer and Blue March
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
"Blue March" has been celebrated since 2000 - the main goal of various events is to make the public more informed about this diagnosis.
One of the main symbols of the event is the blue ribbon.
Trainings, seminars are held, information brochures are printed; Patients who talk about their experiences also participate in the project.
During the Blue March, the public will be informed about the symptoms of the disease, treatment methods, diagnosis and screening.
Source:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155598#treatment
https://www.healthline.com/health/colorectal-cancer/colon-cancer-awareness-month-when-is-it-and-more
