Colorectal Cancer

The causes of colorectal cancer are not known but you may be at risk if you:

• Are older than 50 years
• Have colorectal polyps
• Have family members with colorectal cancer
• Have had a previous cancer, such as colorectal cancer, and in women, cancer of the ovary, uterus or breast
• Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease (swelling of the colon)
• Smoke tobacco
• Have a diet that is high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

• Change in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Chronic tiredness
• Blood (either bright red or very dark) in stools
• Narrower than usual stools
• Frequently having gas pains and cramps or feeling full and bloated
• Unexplained weight loss

Other health problems can also cause these symptoms but you should see your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Surgery will be performed to remove the tumour. This may be:

• Colostomy – the colon is shortened and another opening is made for waste to pass through. A bag is placed over the opening to collect the waste
• Local (closed) surgery – done by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery)
• Open surgery – to remove the cancer and some of the nearby colon tissues and lymph nodes (glands)

Other treatments that may be given before or after surgery include:

• Chemotherapy to destroy the cancer cells,
• Radiation therapy (high-energy x-ray)
• Targeted therapy to stop the growth of the cancer