GI/Colorectal Cancer

Colon or colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine of the digestive tract – either from the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer is often grouped together because they have many features in common. Most colorectal cancer cases develop from precancerous growths called polyps, that form when cells lining the colon grow, divide and reproduce in a disorderly way. Polyps can become cancerous over time, invading the colon wall and surrounding blood vessels, and spreading to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of colon cancer are as below:

• Blood in the stool or in bowel movements 
• Diarrhea or constipation 
• Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely 
• Persistent abdominal ache, cramps, or pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anaemia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Jaundice

Causes: The exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, but certain risk factors are strongly linked to the disease, such as:

• Diet low in fibre and high in animal proteins, processed meats, saturated fats, calories
• Heavy Smoking 
• Heavy alcohol intake 
• Sedentary lifestyle with no physical activity 
• Obesity
• Hereditary or family history 
• Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease