By Sola Ogundipe

Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with colorectal (colon and rectum) cancer, from which several die. It is one of the fast emerging causes of cancer-related deaths globally affecting people more often than expected. The toll of colorectal cancer is much higher among populations with limited access to screening and early treatment die much more often from the disease.

Early detection, referral, and treatment can significantly reduce disparities in deaths from colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps or other precancerous growths in the rectum or the colon (large intestine). People with precancerous growths or signs of colorectal cancer don’t always show symptoms.

That’s why screening is important—doctors can see and remove growths or suspicious tissue before they become cancerous. Your risk for colorectal cancer increases if you answer yes to the following: Smoke, have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease or are diabetic.

Also, a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps, or having certain genetic syndromes are significant. You should see your doctor also if you have any of these symptoms, even though they do not necessarily indicate colorectal cancer.

Warning signs include any of these: a change in bowel habits (for example, diarrhoea, constipation, feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way). Bright or dark blood in stool, stools narrower than usual, frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps. Weight loss for no known reason or feeling very tired and vomiting should get you worried.

Screening 

It is advisable to begin getting screened at age 50 if you are at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, some people at higher risk may need to be screened earlier and some may need to undergo more frequent screening. The most common screening option is colonoscopy. A doctor uses this thin tube with a light and lens to look inside the rectum and colon for

growths, other abnormal tissue, or cancer. It is invasive and requires sedation. A routine screening is advisable every 10 years. Another screening option is known as Flexible sigmoidoscopy. Here, a doctor uses a thin tube with a light and lens to look inside the rectum and lower third of the colon for growths, other abnormal areas tissues, or cancer.

This thin tube may also include a tool for removing abnormal tissue for examination. Your will need to prepare for the test. Advisable every five years. Fecal blood test (gFOBTor FIT test)—Using an at-home kit from your physician, you take a sample of your stool and return it to a lab, where it is checked for hidden blood, sometimes a sign of cancer.

If blood is found, you will need a colonoscopy to find out why. Routine screening: once a year. Stool DNA test —Using an at-home kit from your physician, you take a sample of your stool and return it to a lab, where it is checked for blood as well as for genetic changes sometimes found in cancer and pre-cancer cells. If the test is positive, you will need a colonoscopy. Routine screening: every three years.

Regular screening, beginning at age 50, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. People at higher risk should begin screening at a younger age, and may need to be tested more frequently. Currently, individuals have several options for testing based on their risks and preferences. Consult your doctor to determine which screening programme is right for you.

More people who get colorectal cancer are surviving or are surviving longer with the help of screening, surgery and/or drugs approved for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. Because not all populations react the same way to every treatment, scientists are also developing “companion diagnostics,” tests to determine, for example, if a mutation in a particular gene found in tumors will render a drug effective, ineffective, or even harmful among certain groups.

Researchers study new ways to prevent, treat, and manage the disease. Patients who want to know about clinical trials—research studies that involve people—may want to discuss this option with those close to them and with their doctor.

Risk reduction 

A number of factors may put you at risk for colorectal cancer: age, medical history, race or ethnicity. But you can reduce that risk. Exercise regularly and vigorously. Maintain a healthy diet (high in vegetables and fruits; low in red and processed meats). Maintain a healthy weight, limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.