Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. Regular checkups, such as colonoscopies, are vital for early detection. Treatment options for colorectal cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. The assessment of the Polygenic Risk Score for colorectal cancer is based on the examination of 74 gene polymorphisms.
Genetic testing for colorectal cancer is included along with 14 other diseases in the Genetic Screening for Gastrointestinal Diseases, Polygenic Risk Score, as well as in the Genetic Screening for Neoplasms and Precancerous Malformations, Polygenic Risk Score, along with 19 other diseases.
Causes and non-genetic risk factors
Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed tumors on the planet. The exact cause that provokes the appearance of the tumor is currently unknown, but risk factors that contribute significantly have been identified.
- Sex: Colon cancer is more frequent in men than in women, and it is estimated that it will be diagnosed in 1/23 men and 1/24 women
- Age: Although it can appear at any age, most of those affected are over 50 years of age
- Ethnic origin: it is more frequent in people of African-American descent
- Personal history of cancer or polyps: people who have had non-cancerous polyps in the colon are more predisposed to the disease
- Inflammatory bowel conditions: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis increase the risk
- Inherited syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome
- Lifestyle: low-fiber diets and consumption of ultra-processed foods, as well as sedentary lifestyles, contribute to increased risk
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
Symptoms
It is widespread for colon cancer to present no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When they do appear, they may vary slightly depending on their location, and may include:
- Blood in the stool
- Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, or changes in stool consistency
- Abdominal discomfort with cramping, gas, and/or pain
- Sensation of incomplete evacuation
- Weight loss without apparent cause
Prevention
Colon cancer screening programs have been a significant advance in early diagnosis, making the prognosis, in most cases, very favorable. Due to the critical role of genetics and the heritability of colon cancer, it is recommended that everyone over the age of 50 with a family history of the disease undergo these early detection tests.
In addition, other measures can be taken to reduce the risk:
- Preferential consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, avoiding ultra-processed consumption of food
- Avoid consumption of alcohol and tobacco
- Regular physical exercise
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
