Continuing our awareness of increasing common cancers that impact men’s health for Father’s Day. This blog will cover the topic of colorectal cancer. Explore our three-part blog series to learn about prostate and lung cancer by clicking the applicable links
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer, alternatively termed as colon or rectal cancer, originates in the tissues of the colon or rectum. Typically, it initiates as a polyp, an abnormal growth that may be benign or malignant.
Malignant polyps have the potential to grow and infiltrate neighboring tissues, progressing into cancerous lesions. Despite being among the most prevalent cancers globally, colorectal cancer is largely preventable through consistent screening protocols and timely identification.
Early Detection and Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer ranks as the third most frequently diagnosed cancer among both men and women in the United States. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer stands at approximately 1 in 23 for men.
However, individual risk levels may vary, influenced by specific risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. In the United States, colorectal cancer represents the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men.
However, individual risk levels may vary, influenced by specific risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. In the United States, colorectal cancer represents the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
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- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Blood in stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, or pain)
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
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Causes of Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer can be caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. A family history of colorectal cancer, certain genetic mutations, and inflammatory intestinal conditions can increase risk. Lifestyle factors such as a diet high in red and processed meats, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and lack of physical activity also contribute to the development of colon cancer.
Prevention Rate and Treatment Success
Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can lower the risk of developing colon cancer. Early detection through regular screenings significantly improves treatment success rates. The five-year survival rate for localized colon cancer is about 63-80%.
Determining whether the cancer has spread
Symptoms indicating the spread of colorectal cancer might include the detection of an enlarged liver during physical examination, jaundice, which manifests as a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, or respiratory difficulties attributed to the cancer's dissemination to the lungs.
Common Medical Procedures and Treatments
Colorectal cancer treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cancer, with additional therapies recommended by the healthcare team. Early-stage colorectal cancer may be addressed with minimally invasive procedures such as polypectomy or laparoscopic surgery to remove cancerous polyps or affected colon segments.
In more advanced cases where surgery isn't curative, options include partial colectomy to remove cancerous colon parts, ostomy creation for waste elimination, and lymph node removal for cancer testing.
For advanced cancer not amenable to surgical removal, symptom relief surgeries may be performed, while localized treatments like liver or lung surgery, often followed by chemotherapy, can offer a chance for long-term cancer control.
Other treatments
Treatment for colorectal cancer often involves the use of potent medications designed to target and eliminate cancerous cells, typically administered post-surgery to eradicate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence. In some cases, these medications may be prescribed before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove.
Additionally, they can help alleviate symptoms associated with colon cancer that cannot be surgically removed or have spread to other parts of the body, sometimes in conjunction with other treatments. Another approach involves the use of medications that specifically target certain chemicals within cancer cells to induce their death, often combined with other treatments for those with advanced colorectal cancer.
Furthermore, some therapies harness the body's immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells, typically employed for advanced cases. Lastly, palliative care plays a crucial role, focusing on alleviating pain and other symptoms of serious illness to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families throughout the treatment process.
ADVANCEMENTS IN COLORECTAL CANCER
Prevention and Treatment
Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in the prevention of colorectal cancer. A diet high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, combined with regular physical activity, can lower the risk of developing the disease. Limiting red meat and processed foods is also beneficial. Taking essential supplements to meet your daily nutrient needs is highly recommended.
ADVANCEMENTS IN COLORECTAL CANCER
Prevention and Treatment
Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in the prevention of colorectal cancer. A diet high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, combined with regular physical activity, can lower the risk of developing the disease. Limiting red meat and processed foods is also beneficial. Taking essential supplements to meet your daily nutrient needs is highly recommended.
Take Action Today
Encourage the men in your life to schedule regular screenings and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Share this information with them and make it a part of your Father’s Day celebration. Together, we can promote a future where prostate and colon cancers are detected early and treated effectively, ensuring a healthier and happier life for all.
At Marah Natural, we believe in the power of prevention and the importance of comprehensive health. Our supplements, formulated with the finest ingredients, are designed to support overall wellness for men who want to take proactive steps toward maintaining their health and vitality.
Take Action Today
Encourage the men in your life to schedule regular screenings and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Share this information with them and make it a part of your Father’s Day celebration. Together, we can promote a future where prostate and colon cancers are detected early and treated effectively, ensuring a healthier and happier life for all.
At Marah Natural, we believe in the power of prevention and the importance of comprehensive health. Our supplements, formulated with the finest ingredients, are designed to support overall wellness for men who want to take proactive steps toward maintaining their health and vitality.
SAC® FORMULATION TECHNOLOGY
Marah Natural Product
Marah Natural Product
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These product and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and are presented for information purposes only.
SOURCES:
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American Cancer Society. (2021). Prostate Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer.html
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Chan, J. M., et al. (2005). Diet After Diagnosis and the Risk of Prostate Cancer Progression, Recurrence, and Death. JAMA.
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World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. (2018). Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Prostate Cancer.
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Ahmed, H. U., et al. (2017). Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS): a paired validating confirmatory study. The Lancet.
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Kantoff, P. W., et al. (2015). New England Journal of Medicine.
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U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). Colorectal Cancer: Screening. Retrieved from https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org
- Murphy, N., et al. (2018). World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Continuous Update Project. International Journal of Cancer.
- Chan, A. T., & Giovannucci, E. L. (2010). Primary prevention of colorectal cancer. Gastroenterology.
- Le, D. T., et al. (2015). PD-1 Blockade in Tumors with Mismatch-Repair Deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine.