Colorectal cancer. Early detection and important symptoms

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and affects millions of people. Early detection can be crucial for successful treatment, but many people are often unaware of the symptoms and risk factors. This makes education about this insidious disease all the more important.

There are different types of Colorectal cancerincluding colorectal carcinoma and adenomatous polyps, both of which pose serious risks. Genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, age and gender also increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer to fall ill. Early symptoms such as blood in the stool, unexplained Weight loss and Abdominal pain should never be ignored.

In this article, we will explore the various facets of Colorectal cancer including early detection, symptoms and methods of diagnosis. You will also learn how you can reduce your risk with a healthy lifestyle and what treatment options are available. You will become better informed about Colorectal cancer and its prevention.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal canceralso known as colorectal carcinoma, affects the colon and rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer. It often remains undetected in the early stages as there are no symptoms. In 90 percent of cases, tumors develop from polyps.

Common signs are

• Changes in bowel habits (Diarrhea or Constipation)
• Blood or mucus in the stool

Risk factors:

• Increasing alcohol consumption
• Age over 50 years
• Younger people are increasingly affected

Early diagnosis is important. Regular check-ups help with this, Colorectal cancer early before it shows symptoms. The test for blood in the stool can provide clues. One Colonoscopy is an effective method for early detection.

German Cancer Aid and the Robert Koch Institute recommend regular check-ups in accordance with medical guidelines. This can reduce the risk of an advanced stage. 건강한 생활을 유지하고 균형 잡힌 식습관을 유지하세요.

Introduction to Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the colon or rectum. It often develops from benign polyps. Every year, around 24,000 women and 30,000 men in Germany are newly diagnosed with Colorectal cancer. This makes it the second most common type of cancer in women and the third most common in men.

The number of new cases has been falling slightly since 2003. Early detection plays a decisive role. For people between the ages of 50 and 75, stool tests and colonoscopies are offered as screening. These tests can detect and remove polyps before they develop into cancer.

The course of Colorectal cancer is often insidious and unspecific, which makes early detection difficult. The process The development of cancer cells from polyps can take up to ten years.

Precautionary measures:

• Stool testsEarly detection of blood in the stool.
• ColonoscopyRegular control and removal of polyps.

German Cancer Aid and other institutions recommend regular screening examinations to reduce the likelihood of a diagnosis at an advanced stage. Ask your health insurance provider about the possibilities of cost coverage.

Types of Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer mainly comprises tumors in the large intestine (colon) and rectum, collectively known as colorectal carcinoma. These tumors can metastasize and spread to other organs. In 90 percent of cases, such tumors develop from benign polyps that develop into malignant growths over time.

Colorectal carcinoma

Colorectal carcinoma is the most common form of Colorectal cancer. It usually develops slowly and inconspicuously. Symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool or unwanted Weight loss. The risk factors include unhealthy Nutritionlack of exercise, obesity, alcohol consumption and smoking. Surgery can often bring about a cure, supported by chemotherapy or Immunotherapy. The severity is classified according to UICC staging, which describes the progress and spread of the tumor.

Adenomatous polyps

Adenomatous polyps are frequent precursors of Colorectal cancer. They develop from the glandular tissue of the intestinal wall. Although many polyps remain harmless, some can grow into cancer. It often takes years for a polyp to develop into a malignant tumor. This type of cancer often falls under adenocarcinoma. Regular colonoscopies help to detect and remove these polyps at an early stage.

Risk factors for Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a serious disease that is influenced by various risk factors. These factors include genetic predispositions, lifestyle and age. Understanding these risks can help to take preventative measures and reduce the risk.

Genetic predispositions

Around 5% of bowel cancer cases are caused by genetic factors. The risk increases if close relatives develop the disease, especially before the age of 45. People with a known genetic predisposition should undergo regular screening. In the case of HNPCC, frequent screening is recommended from the age of 25. Colonoscopy recommended.

Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle plays a major role in the risk of bowel cancer. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk by 20 to 30 %. A diet high in fiber and low in meat Nutrition is also beneficial. Smoking and alcohol consumption significantly increase the risk. Obesity and lack of exercise are also important risk factors.

Age and gender

The risk of Colorectal cancer to fall ill increases with age. The average age of onset is 71 for men and 75 for women. Men are affected more frequently than women. Most diagnoses are made after the age of 50. However, the risk for younger people under the age of 40 is very low.

Early symptoms

Early symptoms of Colorectal cancer are often difficult to recognize as they are non-specific. They can also occur with other intestinal diseases. The first signs include changes in bowel habits. This manifests itself in frequent urge to defecate and an alternation between Constipation and Diarrhea. Visible blood in the stool and a conspicuous, foul-smelling stool can also be indications of a problem. Other symptoms include frequent and strong bowel noises, Flatulence and cramp-like Abdominal pain. Decreased performance, frequent tiredness and repeated light Fever can also indicate a tumor disease.

Blood in the stool

Blood in the stool should be considered a warning sign, especially if it is clearly visible. The intestinal mucosa can Colorectal cancer bleed easily. Often the blood is only present in such small quantities that it is detected by special tests in the laboratory. If the stool changes its shape and appears thin like a pencil, this is called "pencil stool". Changes in stool habits that last longer than three weeks should be examined by a doctor. This is especially important for people over the age of 40 if blood is detected in the stool.

More inexplicable Weight loss

An inexplicable Weight loss may be an indication of advanced Colorectal cancer be. The tumor deprives the body of additional Energywhich leads to Weight loss even if patients eat normally. This loss often occurs with symptoms such as anemia, pallor and fatigue. More advanced Colorectal cancer can lead to considerable metabolic changes, which Nutrient intake impair. An inexplicable Weight loss should be taken seriously. Those affected should seek medical advice to clarify any underlying illnesses.

Tiredness and Abdominal pain

Fatigue is a common symptom of Colorectal cancerwhich is often accompanied by reduced performance. Cramp-like Abdominal pain are also common and can occur independently of bowel movements. As the tumor grows, it can break through the intestinal wall and lead to peritonitis. This causes additional Pain. Painful bowel movements can also occur, often due to a narrowing of the bowel. In addition Fever and night sweats can occur, which greatly impairs general well-being.

Progressive symptoms

Colorectal cancer can go unnoticed for a long time, as many symptoms only appear at an advanced stage. One of these symptoms is anemia. Anemia can be caused by regular bleeding from the tumor and manifests itself in paleness and fatigue. Another sign can be an unwanted Weight loss be. The tumor can impair the body's ability to function and thus lead to a loss of body weight. Large tumors can sometimes be felt in the abdomen. This indicates the growth and severity of the tumor. If the tumor covers the entire Intestine narrows, this can lead to intestinal obstruction, a serious complication.

Intestinal obstruction

An intestinal obstruction, also known as an ileus, occurs when a large tumor blocks the intestine. Intestine blocked. Food and stool can no longer pass through. Symptoms of an obstruction are strong, cramp-like Abdominal pain, Nausea and vomiting. A complete intestinal obstruction is a medical emergency and usually requires immediate surgical assistance. If the tumor spreads beyond the Intestine serious complications such as peritonitis. The tumor can also grow into neighbouring organs and cause further health problems.

Metastases

Metastases are secondary tumors that develop in Colorectal cancer often develop in the lymph nodes and later spread to organs such as the liver or lungs. Metastases are usually treated with a combination of surgery, Chemotherapy and possibly radiotherapy. In the case of non-operable liver metastases, a Chemotherapy to reduce their size so that surgery can be performed at a later date. Treatment planning for lung and liver metastases should include an experienced surgeon to ensure complete removal. The UICC stage, which classifies tumor involvement, is important for the treatment strategy and prognosis in the presence of metastases.

Diagnostic methods

Physical examination

Colorectal cancer can go unnoticed at first, as symptoms are often absent. Abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits can be the first warning signs. During the physical examination, the abdomen is listened to and palpated in order to detect abnormalities. A key method is the digital rectal examination (DRU). This allows the doctor to detect tumors or hardening of the rectum. Blood residues, which are sometimes discovered during a DRU, are further indicators. A painful reaction to the examination may indicate a disease. In addition to the physical examination, tests for blood in the stool are important.

Colonoscopy

The Colonoscopyalso known as colonoscopy, is the standard procedure for the diagnosis of Colorectal cancer. It should only be performed by specialized doctors. An endoscope with a camera and light is inserted into the Intestine to view the inside and remove polyps directly. Before the colonoscopy, certain foods that are difficult to digest should be avoided. A colonoscopy is recommended for screening from the age of 45, at least every 10 years. Genetic tests can supplement this, but the colonoscopy remains the most reliable method.

Imaging procedures

In addition to colonoscopy, imaging procedures are crucial for diagnosis. They help to determine the progression of the cancer, a process called staging. A rectal ultrasound exam checks how far the tumor has penetrated the intestinal wall. Ultrasound of the abdomen looks for metastases, especially in the liver. Computed tomography (CT) is also important to detect metastases in the lungs and liver. These techniques complement each other in order to obtain an accurate picture of the stage of the cancer.

Physical examination

The physical examination is an essential step in the diagnosis of Colorectal cancer. The doctor listens to and palpates the patient's abdomen to detect abnormalities. An important technique here is the digital rectal examination (DRU). This makes it possible to check the end of the bowel for hardening or tumors.

Examination steps:

1. Listening and scanning: Search for abnormalities in the abdomen.
2. Digital rectal examinationCheck for hardening and tumors.
3. Search for blood: Indication of hidden blood in the Intestine.

During the DRU, doctors can sometimes find evidence of blood residue. This accounts for up to ten percent of Colorectal cancer-diseases can be felt. The examination can be painful, especially if the doctor encounters sensitive areas in the abdomen that indicate cancer.

Additional tests:

• Stool sample examinationTest for non-visible blood.

The physical examination and these tests are part of the diagnostic strategy for suspected Colorectal cancer.

Prevention of Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Germany. Early detection and prevention play an important role in preventing the disease. A combination of healthy Nutritionregular check-ups and an awareness of risk factors is crucial.

Healthy Nutrition

A healthy Nutrition helps to reduce the risk of Colorectal cancer to lower your blood sugar level. Fiber-rich foods such as whole grain products and legumes promote a good Digestion and shorten the retention time of pollutants in the Intestine. Meat, especially red or processed meat such as sausage and ham, should be limited. A high-fat, low-fiber diet Nutrition contributes to an increase in risk. Avoiding tobacco consumption and moderate alcohol consumption are also important.

Regular preventive check-ups

From the age of 45, it is recommended to have a colonoscopy every 10 years in order to detect and remove colon polyps at an early stage. Alternatively, a FIT stool blood test can be carried out every two years. These examinations are covered by statutory health insurance companies every ten years from the age of 50 in order to increase the chances of recovery if they are detected early.

Awareness of risk factors

Increased age is a significant risk factor for Colorectal canceras the risk of developing the disease increases with age. Being overweight, lack of exercise and a low-fiber Nutrition also increase the likelihood. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease also increase the risk. A family history of the disease should be taken into account, particularly in the case of illnesses in direct relatives before the age of 45.

Risk factors table

A conscious lifestyle and regular medical check-ups are the key to successful prevention of Colorectal cancer.

Treatment options

Colorectal cancer can be treated well if the right therapy is chosen. The treatment aims to completely remove the cancer or stop its growth. There are various modern methods available.

Surgical interventions

Surgical procedures are the main component of bowel cancer treatment. The affected section of bowel and adjacent lymph nodes are removed. This significantly increases the chances of recovery. The procedure is usually performed via an open abdominal incision, but sometimes the keyhole technique can be used. In most cases, an artificial anus is not necessary. If it is inserted, it is often only temporary.

Chemotherapy

With advanced Colorectal cancer is the Chemotherapy is often an important step. It is usually used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. This treatment is known as adjuvant Chemotherapy is labeled. In the case of metastasized Colorectal cancerwhich cannot be surgically removed, is the Chemotherapy also important. Cytostatics, the used Medicationinhibit the growth of cancer cells. The treatment is carried out over a period of around six months, either in the form of infusions or Tablets.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is mainly used for rectal cancer (rectal carcinoma). It is less common for colon cancer, but can be useful for metastases in the bones or brain. It is also used to combat metastases in advanced stages. A combination of Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can help to stop tumor growth and improve quality of life.

Modern treatment options have improved the prognosis of Colorectal cancer significantly improved. Patients now have a better chance of recovery or a longer life with the disease.

Life after the diagnosis

Life after the diagnosis Colorectal cancer

After the diagnosis Colorectal cancer many of those affected are facing a major life change. The individual experience depends heavily on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, tumor removal can often be sufficient. If the cancer is more advanced, it is often necessary to Chemotherapy and radiation are necessary.

Thanks to screening programs and improved treatment options, the life expectancy of patients has increased in recent years. However, the five-year survival rate varies greatly depending on the stage of the disease, which influences the prognosis.

Support services for those affected:

• Emotional support
• Programs for returning to working life
• Self-help groups

These services help people to cope better with the illness and gain a foothold in everyday life.

Statistical survival rate by stage:

The medical support and care provided by statutory health insurance companies plays an important role in treatment. Contact with German Cancer Aid can also be useful.

Source: istockphoto Panuwat Dangsungnoen