Also called colon cancer or rectal cancer, colorectal cancer usually develops in normal tissue lining the walls of the large intestine or rectum, which then turns into polyps (precancerous tumours). Over time, some of these polyps can grow in size, undergo cellular changes, and become cancerous.
Age
Family history
Genetic predisposition (such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis)
Unhealthy eating habits (low fibre, high fat)
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
The early symptoms of colorectal, colon, and rectal cancer are not always obvious initially. Common symptoms include:
Blood in stool
Changes in bowel movements and habits
Diarrhoea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete bowel movements
Unexplained weight loss
Frequent abdominal pain or cramps
The majority of cases of colorectal cancer begin with precancerous polyps, which are abnormal growths found in the colon or rectum. Precancerous polyps can be identified through screening procedures, allowing for their removal prior to their progression to cancer. Screening procedures can also detect colorectal cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.
Colonoscopy
Gold standard for colorectal cancer screening
A long, flexible tube with a camera is used to examine the entire colon and rectum.
Polyps or abnormal growths can be removed during the procedure.
Additional Screening Methods
Faecal occult blood test (FOBT): Detects hidden blood in stool
Faecal immunochemical test (FIT): Detects blood in stool using antibodies
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Examines lower part of colon and rectum for polyps or cancer
Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography): Uses CT scans to create detailed images of the colon and rectum, detecting abnormalities
When treating colorectal cancer, numerous factors influence the approach, including the tumour’s location, stage of the disease, and the patient's general health.
Surgery
Polypectomy: For early-stage colon cancer, where cancerous polyps are removed during a colonoscopy.
Colectomy: Partial or total removal of the colon. The surgeon may remove the cancerous section of the colon or rectum, along with nearby lymph nodes, to prevent the spread of cancer.
Chemotherapy: Used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, particularly for advanced colon cancer (metastatic colon cancer) or after surgery, to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy): Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Focusses on specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer.
Immunotherapy: Helps the body’s immune system recognise and fight cancer cells.
Prince Court Medical Centre is well-known for its excellence in oncology care, offering the most cutting-edge treatment options available in the fight against colorectal cancer. With state-of-the-art tools like the da Vinci XI Surgical System and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), our experts can offer patients individualised, multidisciplinary care.
da Vinci XI Robot-assisted Surgical System: Provides enhanced accuracy, adaptability, and minimally invasive techniques for colorectal cancer treatment, leading to a quicker recovery and better outcomes.
HIPEC: Specialised chemotherapy injected into the abdominal cavity during surgery, making cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment
Colorectal cancer often begins as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, which can exist for years without symptoms.
Screening helps detect and remove these polyps, preventing cancer. Early detection also improves treatment outcomes.
To reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, it's recommended to:
Increase physical activity.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Limit alcohol.
Avoid tobacco.
Prince Court Medical Centre's Oncology Department offers cutting-edge cancer treatments with a focus on innovation and compassionate care. Utilising advanced technologies, we provide effective and minimally invasive treatments to treat colon cancer. The team creates holistic, individualised care plans to meet each patient's needs, ensuring medical excellence and comprehensive support throughout the colon cancer treatment journey.
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