Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits (like diarrhoea or constipation), blood in stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and a feeling of incomplete bowel movements. Early stages often show no symptoms, making regular screening important.

Risk factors include age (50+), a diet high in red or processed meats, low fiber intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity, heavy alcohol use, and a family history of colorectal cancer. Certain genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), can also increase the risk.

Treatment options depend on the cancer’s stage and location. Surgery is often the primary treatment, aiming to remove the affected colon or rectum segment. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used, especially in advanced stages, or in combination with targeted therapy or immunotherapy for specific genetic mutations. Regular screenings can significantly improve survival

Some treatment options include: 

• Surgery: Removes cancerous sections of the colon or rectum (colectomy or proctectomy) and may include nearby lymph nodes for localised cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or slow cancer cell growth, often used after surgery to reduce recurrence risk or in advanced stages.
• Radiation Therapy: Targets cancer cells with high-energy rays, commonly used in rectal cancer or before surgery to shrink tumours.
• Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific proteins or genes in cancer cells, effective for advanced cases with specific mutations (e.g., EGFR, VEGF).
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to better identify and fight cancer cells, often used in advanced cases with particular genetic profiles, like MSI-high.
• Palliative Care: Provides symptom relief and support for quality of life in advanced-stage patients, focusing on pain and digestive comfort.