Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, encompasses cancers that arise from the lining of the colon and rectum. It often starts as benign clumps of cells called polyps that may over time become cancerous. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, weakness or fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Risk factors for developing bowel cancer include age, family history of the disease, inflammatory intestinal conditions, low-fiber high-fat diet, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and alcohol.

Diagnosis is typically made through screening tests such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or fecal occult blood tests. Early detection is crucial as it greatly enhances treatment success. Treatment varies depending upon the stage of the cancer and may include surgical removal of the cancerous part of the colon, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to destroy cancerous tissue, or targeted drug therapy to block certain abnormalities within cancer cells. Prevention strategies involve regular screening, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, diet modifications, and in some cases, prophylactic medications or surgery for individuals with a high genetic risk.