Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Colorectal Cancer Causes

Several factors increase the risk of colorectal cancer, including:

• Genetics – Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Dietary factors – High consumption of red and processed meats, low fiber intake.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis increase risk.
• Age – Risk increases after age 50.
• Lifestyle factors – Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of exercise.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the stage but commonly include:

✅ Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation).

✅ Blood in stool or rectal bleeding.

✅ Unexplained weight loss.

✅ Abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating.

✅ Feeling of incomplete bowel emptying.

✅ Fatigue and weakness.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Early detection through colonoscopy, stool tests, and CT colonography increases survival rates. People over 50 (or earlier for high-risk individuals) should undergo regular screenings.

Colon Cancer Treatment by Stage

• Stage 1: Surgery to remove polyps or tumors.
• Stage 2: Surgery with possible chemotherapy.
• Stage 3: Combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
• Stage 4: Advanced treatments, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.

Can Colon Cancer Be Cured Without Surgery?

While surgery remains the most effective treatment, some cases may benefit from non-surgical treatments like:

• Targeted therapies – Block cancer cell growth.
• Immunotherapy – Helps the immune system attack cancer cells.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – Herbal treatments and acupuncture may support symptom relief.
• Stem Cell Therapy – Under research for its potential in treating advanced colorectal cancer.

New Treatment for Colon Cancer Stage 4

Emerging treatments include:

• CAR-T cell therapy – A form of immunotherapy that modifies the patient’s immune cells to attack cancer.
• Liquid biopsies – Used for detecting tumor DNA in the bloodstream.
• Gene therapy – Personalized treatment based on genetic mutations.

Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Surgical options depend on tumor location and stage:

• Colectomy – Removal of part or all of the colon.
• Colostomy/Ileostomy – Creating an opening for waste removal if the colon cannot function properly.
• Minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery – Allows faster recovery and less scarring.