Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally. In 2020, around 20,00,000 i.e. 20 lakh people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It is the second leading cause of death leading to almost 10,00,000 deaths every year!
Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers despite having effective screening methods.
What does the data say?
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the number of new cases of colorectal cancer worldwide is expected to increase by 56% between 2020 and 2040. This means there will be over 30 lakh new cases each year.
Unfortunately, the number of deaths from this disease is expected to rise even more, by 69%, which means there will be about 16 lakh deaths worldwide in 2040. This increase will occur mostly in countries with a high Human Development Index.
What is Colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer typically starts with a polyp, a benign growth that can form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum as people age. If left untreated or unremoved, a polyp can develop into a potentially life-threatening cancer. Detecting and removing precancerous polyps is essential for preventing colorectal cancer.
There are several types of polyps. A colonoscopy can identify adenomatous polyps, or adenomas, which are growths that may become cancerous. Colonoscopies are effective for finding polyps since they often protrude into the colon, creating visible mounds on the colon wall.
Other polyps may develop, but medical professionals do not consider them precancerous.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
People with colorectal cancer may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
– Changes in bowel habits
– Diarrhea, constipation
– Blood in stool
– Abdominal discomfort, including gas pains, bloating, fullness, and cramps
– Unexplained weight loss
– Constant tiredness or fatigue
– Unexplained iron-deficiency
Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer
Over half of colorectal cancer cases are associated with modifiable risk factors, which include several lifestyle factors like:
- Excess weight or obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk, particularly in men.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity raises the risk of colon cancer.
- Specific dietary patterns: Diets high in red and processed meats elevate risk, as does cooking meats at high temperatures. Low vitamin D levels may also increase the risk.
- Smoking: Long-term tobacco use increases the likelihood of colorectal cancer.
- Alcohol consumption: Moderate to heavy alcohol use links to colorectal cancer, with even light-to-moderate intake posing some risk.
What you can do?
Certain medications have shown potential in reducing the risk of colon polyps or colon cancer. Researchers have associated regular aspirin use with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. However, determining the appropriate dosage and duration for this risk reduction remains uncertain. It’s important to note that daily aspirin use can have drawbacks, including the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Typically, healthcare providers only consider these options for individuals with a heightened risk of colon cancer. For those with an average risk, there isn’t enough evidence to support the use of these medications.
If you’re at an increased risk of colon cancer, it’s advisable to discuss your risk factors with your healthcare team to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of preventive medications for your situation.