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Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Prevention

  • March 14,2022
  • 1 Min Read
Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors & Prevention

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine.

It is the 4th most common cancer in men & 

5th most common cancer in women in India.*

(*IARC Global Cancer Observatory Data 2020)

 

Symptoms of colorectal cancer:

Colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms. 

When they occur, symptoms may include: 

  • Blood in the stool, rectal bleeding
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away
  • Sudden unexplained weight loss
  • Weakness and/or fatigue

Most cases of colorectal cancer occur in people ages 45 years and older, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people.

Risk factors of colorectal cancer:

While anyone can develop colorectal cancer, a few conditions can increase risk such as: 

  • Inflammatory bowel diseases like 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) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
  • Poor lifestyle, dietary habits, obesity, and lack of physical activity.

 

Prevention of colorectal cancer:

There are some things you can do to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, for instance:

  • Stop smoking
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Eat a healthy diet – rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in red meat and processed meats
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain a healthy body weight

 

Remember, ANYBODY CAN GET COLORECTAL CANCER!

Screening is the No. 1 way to prevent or detect this disease early when it's most treatable.

 

How to screen for colorectal cancer?

There are 2 major screening tests for colorectal cancer:

  1. STOOL OCCULT BLOOD
  2. COLONOSCOPY

 

When to start screening for cancer?

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened routinely, beginning at the age of 45 years.

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