Colorectal Cancer: Its Causes And Symptoms

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor which arises in the inner lining of the colon or the rectum. This usually happens when there is an abnormal or uncontrolled growth of cells in the latter part of the digestive tract which is known as the colon. Pertinently, these malignant cells may also grow in the rectum, the very end of the large intestine that opens at the anus, which lead one to suffer this malignancy.

This cancer has numerous distinct names. It is commonly termed as colon cancer or large bowel cancer, or "CRC". This disease is contemplated as the fourth common form of cancer in the United States, and the third leading cause of cancer-related in the Western domain.

What causes colon cancer?

There are numerous causes for this type of disease as well as factors that place certain folks at increased risk for this sickness. Here are some known factors:

Age
It is not directly stated that age can cause rectal cancer. However, this malignancy usually strikes in those individuals who are forty years and above.

Genes
Most colon cancer occurs when there is family medical history related to this disease or polyps. For instance, whenever your father/mother/brother or sister has developed colorectal cancer or more than one family member has had this malignant tumor, the risk to other family of acquiring this cancer is high.

Environment
Study has shown that environment a play a huge part in rectal cancer enhancement. Everything around you may influence your risk of acquiring colon cancer.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is often characterized by conditions similar to ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease. When a person is experiencing such conditions; he or she might be at great risk of developing colon cancer.

Diet
Diet has found out to be a causal factor of colon cancer especially if your diet is high in fat and low in fiber.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

This type of cancer doesn't always present any symptoms in the early stages. Its symptoms occur when the disease has progressed into the later stages. Here are some of its symptoms:

• Change in bowel habits including constipation or diarrhea


• Blood in the stool


• Abdominal discomfort and tenderness in the lower abdomen


• Weakness or fatigue


• Unexplained weight loss


• Intestinal obstruction

Whenever you experience symptoms like blood in the stool or change in bowel habits, you must immediately see your doctor for appropriate medication.