Colorectal Cancer
This type of cancer is caused by an uncontrolled growth of cells lining the last segments of the intestine. The intestine is a tube that begins in the stomach to the anus after having taken many turns. The small intestine is the first part, is responsible for digestion and absorption of food is exceptional and giving rise to cancer. Then, starting on the right side and around the abdominal contents, is the colon, or large intestine, which is responsible for the formation of stools. The rectum is the last portion, is responsible for accumulating the faeces and allowed to evacuate when appropriate.
How is cancer of the colon and rectum?
The colorectal cancer can occur in anyone (especially after 40 years), but is more common after age 60. It is the second or third most common cancer in both men and women (affects 6% of the population) and is the second most deadly results. However, until cured 40-50% of patients, and more so before the tumor is diagnosed.
Usually begins with the formation of a polyp or adenoma (a type of wart that comes from inside the intestine). Over time, as a result of changes in genes (mutations) of these cells the effect of carcinogens, some are transformed and invades the different layers that make up the wall of the colon and rectum. Once this situation occurs, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes to adjacent organs or through the blood, so that it can metastasize.
It is known that all cancers are caused by mutations in genes (mutations) of the cells, but not known with certainty how these changes arise. However, it is known that in the case of cancer of the colon and rectum the main factor involved is the diet.
It is known that diets low in fiber (fiber from fruit and vegetables) and rich in fat and refined sugar contributes to the development of cancer. Although the mechanism is probably that in the absence of fibers produced less faeces and cancer producing substances (carcinogens and carcinogens) spend more time in contact with the intestine, there may be other mechanisms involved. We therefore believe that the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit and vegetables is good for your health and prevent colon cancer and rectum. It also appears that maintaining a healthy weight and consuming a daily low dose aspirin may have a protective effect.
Certain situations are known where it is most common colorectal cancer and should inform the doctor to take appropriate preventive measures. This group includes people with colonic polyposis family with long-standing ulcerative colitis or a family history of colon or rectal cancer at early ages.