Colorectal Cancer (Colorectal Cancer) is one of the most common cancers in adults worldwide, ranking second among men and third among women. It originates from abnormal cells in the lining of the colon or rectum that grow into polyps and eventually develop into cancer. Without timely treatment or prevention, these abnormal cells can progress to advanced cancer and spread to other organs in the body.
that lead to colorectal cancer Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases after 45 years old, but recently there has been a rise in cases among younger people.
Genetics and family history Having a parent, sibling, or close relative with colorectal cancer increases one’s risk. Additionally, individuals with genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) have a higher risk than the general population.
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Inflammatory Bowel Disease – IBD): Those with Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Diet and consumption habits Consuming high-fat foods, especially red meat and processed meats (such as sausages, bacon, and ham), is linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Grilled or charred foods containing carcinogens also increase this risk.
Lifestyle behaviors Lack of exercise and being overweight can contribute to the development of this disease.
include the following:
For early-stage colorectal cancer, cure is possible through minimally invasive surgery with the following approaches:
Polyp removal by endoscopy This can be done via polypectomy or endoscopic mucosal resection. If small cancerous polyps are found, doctors can remove them completely by endoscopy, which is suitable for early-stage cancer treatment.
Laparoscopic surgery If polyps cannot be removed endoscopically, surgeons remove the cancerous section of the colon through small incisions in the abdominal wall. During this procedure, lymph nodes may be sampled to check for cancer spread.
Open abdominal surgery (Colorectal Surgery) is the standard method to remove cancerous tumors from the body.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or inhibit cancer cell growth, often applied in cases of advanced cancer or to prevent recurrence after surgery.
Radiation therapy uses X-rays or proton beams to destroy cancer cells. Sometimes, it is used before surgery to shrink tumors for easier removal.
Immunotherapy This treatment aims to boost and stimulate the immune system to fight and eliminate cancer cells. Since cancer cells can produce proteins that block immune function, immunotherapy interferes with this process, restoring the immune response. It is often recommended for patients with metastatic cancer after evaluating their likely response.
Targeted therapy focuses on blocking cancer cell growth and destroying abnormal cells. It is commonly combined with chemotherapy, especially for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
focuses on reducing risk through lifestyle changes and regular screening. Key recommendations include:
Colorectal cancer can affect people of all ages, particularly those who are older or have risk factors. Maintaining good health, adopting appropriate lifestyles, monitoring stool changes, having annual health check-ups, and screening when indicated can prevent advanced colorectal cancer, reduce mortality, and improve patients' quality of life. Those with concerns are encouraged to seek consultation for a healthy and cancer-free colon.
Information provided by: Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Diseases Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital