We may all know cancer to be a deadly disease but when it becomes a topic of discussion, most of us would rather prefer to waive it, saying “God forbid”. Knowledge is power and as such, to be equipped with the knowledge about this disease can help save your life or that of others.

Today, we’ll be discussing about Colorectal cancer.

So what exactly is Colorectal cancer? You may ask.

Colorectal cancer is a combination of colon cancer and rectal cancer which can both occur together. It is any cancer (growth, lump or tumor) of the colon or rectum.

Colorectal cancer can be a benign or malignant. Benign meaning that the tumor will not spread while a malignant tumor consists of cells that can spread to other parts of the body and damage them.

What sysymptoms can mmean that one has colorectal cancer?

They include:

Diarrhea
Constipation
A feeling that the bowel does not empty properly after a bowel movement.
Blood in feces (stools).
Pains in the abdomen.
Bloating in the abdomen.
A feeling of fullness in the abdomen (maybe even after not eating for a while).
Vomiting.
Fatique (tiredness).
Inexplicable weight loss.
A lump in the tummy or a lump in the back passage felt by your doctor.
Unexplained iron deficiency in men, or in women after the menopause.


While the actual reason Colorectal cancer develops in some people and not in some other persons is still not clear, there are however some causative factors as seen below;

Being elderly – the older you are the higher the risk is.
A diet that is very high in animal protein.
A diet that is very high in saturated fats.
A diet that is very low in dietary fiber.
A diet that is very high in calories.
A diet that is very high in alcohol consumption.
Women who have had breast, ovary and uterus cancers.
A family history of colorectal cancer.
Patients with ulcerative colitis.
Being overweight/obese.
Smoking. Studies show that smoking is significantly associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer and death.
Being physically inactive.
Presence of polyps in the colon/rectum. Untreated polyps may eventually become cancerous.
Having Crohn’s disease or Irritable Bowel Disease have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
(Reference: ‘Medical News Today’)



Recently, the ‘Niola Cancer Care Foundation’ founded by Eniola Akintunde, has tirelessly been advocating and creating awareness on colorectal cancer, siting early detection to be paramount.



This foundation also holds occasional screening at designated centres to help people detect any (early) signs of cancer.



Eniola strongly believes in working together to combat this ailment and a soon-to-be actualised cure.



So be informed, be empowered. Spread the word and save a life!