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Disorders of the Liver and Biliary Tract 

Nutrition for Healthy Digestion  

Colorectal Cancer

Terms You Should Know

  • Adenomatous Polyp : A grape-like growth that occurs on the lining of the colon and rectum. This type of polyp can become cancerous. 
    Benign : Not cancerous. 
    Cancer : Abnormal cell growth that destroys normal body function. 
    Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease are the two diseases that are known as IBD, which are characterized by inflammation of the intestines. 
    Polyp : A grape-shaped or mushroom-like growth that occurs on the lining of the colon and rectum. Polyp can change over time from benign to cancer growths. 
    Polyposis : A condition in which the colon is lined with many polyps. 
    Rectum : The lowest part of the colon. Cancer can occur here. 
    Risk : The possibility of a person developing a certain disease. 
    Screening : Identifies people without symptoms. 
    Stool: The solid waste product of digestion. 
    Ulcerative colitis : The longer this disease occurs, the greater the chance for colorectal cancer to develop. 

Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancers affecting either of these organs may also be called colorectal cancers ( CRC) and are a leading cause of cancer deaths. However, if detected early, CRC can be cured. With simple preventive steps, the risk of developing CRC can be reduced. Men and women are equally affected by CRC. I develops from non-cancer polyps called adenomatous polyps. A polyp is a grape-like growth on the inside wall of the colon or rectum. Polyps grow slowly over 3-10 years. Most people do not develop it until after the age of 50 years. Some people become cancerous, others do not. In order to prevent CRC, it is important to get screened to find out if polyps are present, and to have them removed if they are present as removal has been shown to prevent CRC. 

Causes 

No one knows the exact causes of CRC. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops the disease and another does not. Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease. A risk factor is anything that is linked to an increased chance of developing a disease. A person is at average risk for CRC if he is 50 years or more and has no other risk factors. He is at an increased risk if he has : 

  • A past history of CRC or adenomatous polyps.
    A family history - one or more parents, brothers and /or sisters, or children - of CRC or adenomatous polyps. 
    A family history of multiple cancers, involving the breast, ovary, uterus, and other organs. 
    A past history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's Disease. 

Other factors that increase the risk of developing CRC are : 

  • A diet that is low in fibre and high in fat. 
    A sedentary lifestyle 
    Cigarette smoking. 

Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer
Treatment for Colorectal Cancer
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