Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in the lining of the colon or rectum, usually starting as a small benign polyp that gradually becomes cancerous over time. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related death, particularly in people over 50 years of age. Major risk factors include a diet low in fibre and high in red or processed meat, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, family history of colorectal cancer, and chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Early stages may be silent, but warning signs can include a persistent change in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and iron-deficiency anaemia. Screening tests such as colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps, making colorectal cancer highly preventable and more curable when found early. Treatment depends on the stage and typically combines surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and, in selected cases, targeted or immunotherapy drugs to improve outcomes and reduce recurrence.?