Colorectal cancer: Regular screening saves lives

Colorectal cancer is treatable if detected early. A Mediclinic expert explains why you need regular screenings even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms, and how surgical treatment works.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It refers to a type of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, and usually affects people aged 50 and above. It’s a serious disease that is largely preventable and treatable if detected early. Regular screening is the best way to catch colorectal cancer in its early stages.

Most cases begin as small, non-cancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps, and over time some of these can develop into colon cancer. Because polyps don’t necessarily produce symptoms, colorectal cancer is often only diagnosed at a late stage when it is difficult to treat. This is why it’s important to detect them early on through regular screening. The removal of polyps before they become cancerous is crucial.

Screening tests for colorectal cancer

• Colonoscopy – uses a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. If any polyps are found, they can be removed during the procedure.
• Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) – checks for blood in the stool, which may be a sign of colorectal cancer.
• CT colonography – uses a CT scan to create images of the colon and rectum. If polyps are found, a colonoscopy may be needed to remove them.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer:

• Age – being over age 50.
• Family history – having a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colorectal cancer.
• Personal history – having had polyps (abnormal growths in the colon or rectum).
• Diet – having a diet high in red and processed meats, and low in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Lifestyle factors – lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.

Symptoms

In the early stages, colorectal cancer often does not cause any symptoms. This is why screening is so important. As the cancer grows, it may cause symptoms such as:

• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation)
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unintended weight loss.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is often the primary colorectal cancer treatment option, with the aim of removing the cancerous tissue from the colon or rectum. Da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery is becoming the preferred surgical approach. It’s a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses robotic arms and a small camera to perform surgical procedures.

Dr Frikkie Rademan, a general surgeon at Mediclinic Durbanville, was one of the first qualified robotic colorectal surgeons in South Africa. He says Da Vinci robotic surgery offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and quicker recovery time. The procedure is also less painful, which means you require less pain medication during and after surgery. In addition, it reduces the risk of infection and other complications associated with open surgery.

Faster recovery times and better quality of life due to the nerve-sparing precision of the Da Vinci robot are significant factors in the success of these surgeries. This includes a quicker return of bladder and sexual function, allowing patients to return to their normal lives.

How can I reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?

In addition to regular screening, you can do several things to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer, such as:

• Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol use.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk profile for colorectal cancer and when you should start screening.