Colorectal Cancer is also known as colon or bowel cancer. This type of cancer affects colon, rectum and appendix.

- Symptoms:
Changes could be seen in bowel habits, its frequency and consistency of stools. Blood may ooze out of stools or it may contain mucus. The quality of stools may also change.

In some cases, one may feel dizzy, weakness and lose weight abnormally. Anemia, palpitations and difficulty in breathing are the other symptoms. Doctors recommend periodic screening because in some cases patients do not have any symptoms.

- Risk Factor:
Men above 60 years of age are more prone to this type of cancer. But colorectal cancer can affect men below 50 years of age if they have a family history. The risk of colorectal cancer in women increases if they were affected by ovarian, uterus or breast cancer.

People who smoke and drink alcohol and those with hereditary of colon cancer are at a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer. Recent study suggested that smokers had a 30 to 40 percent higher chance of dying from cancer than non-smokers. A diet with high intake of red meat increases the risk while a diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish reduces the chances of developing colorectal cancer. Physically active people have less chances of developing cancer.

- Diagnosis:

Different tests available for diagnosing colorectal cancer are:

Digital rectal exam (DRE): Also known as internal or manual test in which a doctor feels for abnormal area by placing his finger into the rectum. It can only be helpful if the tumors are of large size.

Sigmoidoscopy: A Sigmoidoscope is placed into the rectum and lower colon to check for any abnormalities.

Colonoscopy: A colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and colon to look for any abnormalities. But its benefit is that if any tumors are found they can be dealt with immediately.

Standard computed axial tomography: X-ray is done to determine the extent of spread of cancer.

Adenocarcinoma is most common accounting for 95% of cases. Other are lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Colorectal cancer can be completely cured if the diagnosis is done at the initial stage. However, if the cancerous cells have already spread at the time of diagnosis, it cannot be cured.

- Treatment: Here, surgery is the main treatment. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be used in combination along with surgery.