Colon and Rectal Cancer (Colorectal Cancer)
1.1. What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine or rectum, also known as the colon. The word "colorectal" is a contraction of colon and rectal (Figure 1-1). Colorectal cancer is a serious disease, but there are many ways to treat it.
1.2. Is there a test for colorectal cancer?
Yes, there are several tests that can detect colorectal cancer. When colorectal cancer is suspected, health professionals recommend a test called "colonoscopy". A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a tube and a small camera from the anus to the colon to screen for cancer or other problems.
1.3. What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer may not cause any symptoms in the first place, or it may cause the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
Changes in bowel movements (such as number, texture, colour or size)
Blood in the stool
Feeling of weakness and fatigue
Shortness of breath
1.4. How is colorectal cancer treated?
Most types of colorectal cancer can be treated with one or more of the following treatment methods:
Surgery to remove the cancerous part of the colon or rectum
Chemotherapy (the use of drugs that kill cancer cells or stop their growth)
Radiation therapy
1.5. Will my body function normally after the operation?
The normal functioning of the body after surgery depends on the type of surgery. If the colon or rectum can be reconnected after the cancerous part has been removed, it is possible to have normal bowel movements. However, if the colon or rectum cannot be reconnected, a hole will be made in the abdomen and the end of the colon or the loop of the intestine will be connected to this hole. This opening is called a "colostomy" or "ileostomy", depending on the part of the intestine affected. In such a case, bowel movements take place through the opening into a bag attached to the skin.
1.6. What happens after treatment?
Frequent controls are required for several years after treatment. In this way, the recurrence of the disease can be monitored. In this process, blood tests, several colonoscopy procedures and a special imaging procedure called "CT scan" can be performed. The patient's mood, stress level, sexual life, eating and exercise habits and other problems that the patient may encounter after the end of treatment should also be monitored.
2. Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening (Basic Information)
2.1. What is Colon and Rectal Cancer Screening?
Colon and rectal cancer screening refers to screening to check the colon and rectum for signs of cancer or polyps, which can develop into cancer. These screenings are performed on people who have no symptoms and have no reason to think that they have cancer. The aim is to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer or to find cancer early before it grows, spreads or causes problems.
The colon and rectum are located at the end of the digestive system (Figure 1-1). The term "colorectal" is used for colon and rectal cancer screening, but the term "colon cancer screening" is also used.
2.2. What are the Different Screening Tests for Colon Cancer?
Colonoscopy:
The colonoscopy procedure allows the entire colon to be seen directly. The colon must be completely cleaned before colonoscopy is performed. This can be done at home by drinking a special liquid that will cause watery diarrhoea for several hours. On the day of the test, medication can be used to help the patient relax. The procedure is performed by the doctor inserting a thin tube into the anus and advancing it into the colon (Figure 2-1). The inside of the colon can be seen through a small camera on the tube. In addition, small auxiliary instruments at the end of the tube can be used to remove tissue fragments or polyps if necessary. After the polyps or tissue fragments are removed, they are sent to the laboratory for cancer evaluation.
CT colonography (Virtual colonoscopy):
A special imaging technique called virtual colonoscopy is used to search for cancer and polyps. The preparation for most CTC tests is the same as for a colonoscopy.
Faecal blood test:
The term "faeces" is used to refer to what happens as a result of bowel movements. Stool tests are tests to check for blood in stool samples. Cancer or polyps can cause bleeding, so stool tests can help to detect existing bleeding. These tests can also detect small amounts of bleeding in the stool that are not visible to the naked eye. Other, less serious causes can also cause blood in the stool, and the tests can detect these bleeds.
Sigmoidoscopy:
Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure similar to colonoscopy. The difference of this procedure from colonoscopy is that it only looks at the last part of the colon, not the entire colon. Before having sigmoidoscopy, the lower part of the colon should be cleaned using an enema. This cleansing is not as thorough or uncomfortable as a colonoscopy. There is also no need to take medication to help relax for this test, so the patient can drive and continue working after the procedure.
Figure 2-2: Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy
2.3. How do I choose which test to undergo?
Deciding which test is the most appropriate for the patient requires the co-operation of the doctor, the team and the patient. In some cases, more than one screening test may be performed together (e.g. sigmoidoscopy and blood in faeces). However, the important point here is the test result itself rather than the screening test.
2.4. Who should be screened for colon cancer?
It is recommended to start colon cancer screening at the age of 45. People at high risk of developing colon cancer are advised to start screening at a younger age.
2.5. How often should I be screened?
The frequency of screening tests depends on the risk of colon cancer and the test to be performed. People at high risk of colon cancer should have frequent tests and colonoscopy.
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:2024-04-25 14:54:57