Bowel cancer

Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). The colon is the final part of the digestive tract. Bowel cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. It usually begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside of the colon. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.

Symptoms

Symptoms of bowel cancer can include changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks, rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain, a feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely, weakness or fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

Causes

It's not clear what causes bowel cancer. Doctors know that bowel cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop errors in their DNA. Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell's DNA is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide — even when new cells aren't needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of bowel cancer is typically made through colonoscopy, where a long, flexible and slender tube is used to inspect the inside of the colon. If bowel cancer is suspected, a biopsy can be performed during the colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for bowel cancer typically involves surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, might be recommended.

Prevention

Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer. These include regular exercise, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, maintaining a healthy weight, no smoking, and moderate or no alcohol consumption.