The digestive tract is one of the important "lines" in the human body. Through this channel, the food consumed is processed and absorbed by the body. Then, the remaining food that is not used in the process is also disposed of through this channel.
The digestive tract consists of several parts, starting from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, large intestine, and ending at the anus. If it is not maintained properly the health of the digestive tract will result in fatal problems. One of them is colon cancer. Colon cancer is the 2nd most deadly cancer.
In the world, it is estimated that colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer-Globocan, 2018. In Indonesia, one of the second highest cancers in men is colorectal cancer with the number of new cases of colorectal cancer reaching 30,017 (8.6%)-Globocan 20.
Colorectal cancer is cancer that grows in the large intestine (colon) or at the very bottom of the large intestine connected to the anus (rectum). Colorectal cancer can be named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where the cancer grows.
Colorectal cancer usually starts from intestinal polyps or tissue that grows abnormally on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. However, not all polyps develop into cancer. The likelihood of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp itself.
The following are three types of polyps that can grow in the large intestine:
- Adenoma polyps, which are a type of polyp that sometimes turn into cancer (a precancerous condition)
- Hyperplastic polyps, which are the more common type but generally do not become cancerous
- Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA), which are types of polyps that are considered adenoma polyps, due to their high risk of turning into colorectal cancer.
Regardless of the type of polyp, there are several factors that can increase the likelihood of polyps turning into colorectal cancer, namely:
- Polyps are larger than 1 cm
- More than 2 polyps in the colon or rectum
- Polyps grow over abnormal tissue (dysplasia), usually seen after the polyps are removed.
Causes and Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Like all types of cancer, colorectal cancer occurs when cells in the body grow abnormally and form tumors. Over time, these tumors will grow and damage the healthy tissue around it.
Not yet known exactly what causes these cells to grow out of control. However, there are factors that can increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer, including:
- 50 years of age or older
- Have a history of cancer or colorectal polyps
- Having a family who has had colorectal cancer or polyps
- Having a family history of colorectal cancer or breast cancer under the age of 50
- Suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- Have diabetes
- Suffer from obesity or overweight
- Leading an unhealthy lifestyle, for example rarely consuming fiber and fruits, not exercising enough, and having smoking habits and consuming alcoholic beverages
- Undergoing radiotherapy (radiation therapy) in the abdominal area
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Colorectal cancer usually only causes symptoms when the cancer cells are growing. Symptoms vary, depending on the size and location of the cancer.
Some of the symptoms of colorectal cancer that can appear are:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Defecation feels incomplete
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Bleeding in the rectum (end of the large intestine)
- Bloody bowel movements
- Nauseous
- Vomit
- Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
- The body gets tired easily
When to see a doctor
Colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms when it is in its early stages. Therefore, consult with your doctor about the need for colorectal cancer screening, especially if you are at risk for colorectal cancer.
People over the age of 45 are advised to undergo regular colorectal cancer screening. However, first discuss with your doctor about the right type of screening and the screening schedule. Colorectal cancer can be detected as early as possible through screening. That way, the chances of recovering from this disease are getting bigger.
Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Colon cancer develops slowly, sometimes the disease is not immediately recognized by the sufferer. Not yet known how to prevent colorectal cancer. Colon cancer when underestimated will be very dangerous and needs to be prevented as soon as possible. There are several things that can prevent this disease, namely:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
By exercising regularly, maintaining the food consumed, avoiding excessive consumption of red meat, avoiding consumption of meat cooked at high temperatures, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables and high-fiber foods, maintaining ideal body weight and managing diabetes properly (if any). All of these things help establish a healthy lifestyle.
- Perform early detection on a regular basis
For those who are aged 50 years and over, it is highly recommended to do the detection of colon cancer. Doing detection can provide clarity on the health of the body.
- Avoid unhealthy lifestyle
Avoiding alcoholic beverages and not smoking is one of the important keys in avoiding colon cancer. This dangerous lifestyle can certainly have bad side effects and cause serious, prolonged illness.
Article written by dr. Handy Wing, Sp.B.SubBDig (Surgery Specialist - Digestive Surgery Sub Specialist, EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).