The third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide is Colorectal cancer, and is also one of the most preventable types of cancer. Unlike other cancers, where an individual's genes play a significant role, the vast majority of cases of colorectal cancer are due to an individual's dietary and physical activity habits over many years.
The association between diet and lifestyle and colorectal cancer risk is the primary reason that individual choices play such an important role.
Colorectal cancer is a term that describes cancers of the colon and rectum, which are the last two segments of the gastrointestinal tract. Colorectal cancers typically develop very slowly, often beginning as small benign growths called polyps that form on the bowel wall’s inner lining over many years. In a small number of cases, these polyps will transform into malignant cancers and invade surrounding tissues.
The colon is a major site of exposure to all the substances that pass through the human digestive system over an individual's lifetime.
The evidence linking dietary patterns to colorectal cancer risk is among the most robust in cancer epidemiology. Several dietary factors consistently appear across large prospective studies:
There is evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer through several mechanisms, including decreased insulin resistance, reduced inflammation, and reduced intestinal transit time.
In terms of the risk associated with obesity, people who are obese will consistently have a higher likelihood of developing colon cancer due to high levels of insulin in their blood, higher levels of estrogen in women who have already gone through menopause, and because they are more likely to suffer from chronic inflammation.
Cigarette smoking is also associated with both an increase in the occurrence of colon cancer and deaths from colon cancer. Carcinogenic substances found in tobacco enter the intestinal tract through saliva that is swallowed and through systemic circulation.
Colorectal cancer often causes no symptoms in its early, most treatable stages. When symptoms do appear, they include:
Any of these symptoms, particularly if new or persisting beyond a few weeks, should prompt a visit to a doctor rather than a wait-and-see approach.
Both diagnosis and removal of colon polyps are determined through colonoscopy, which remains the gold standard. After confirmation of malignancy, the oncologist will perform a CT scan of the chest, pelvis, and abdomen to stage the cancer. MRI will also be performed for rectal cancer to evaluate its extent locally and the relationship of the cancer to adjacent structures.
For patients with localised disease, surgery is the primary form of treatment. For patients who have higher-risk stage II and all stage III cancers, there will be consideration of adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery to reduce their risks of recurrence. Patients with metastatic stage IV disease may receive palliative chemotherapy in an effort to prolong their lives.
Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy agent central to colorectal cancer treatment. It works by forming platinum-DNA adducts that interfere with DNA replication, triggering cancer cell death. It is typically used in combination regimens such as FOLFOX or CAPOX.
Oxitan 50 mg is a formulation of oxaliplatin administered intravenously in a hospital or day care oncology setting, with dosing calculated based on body surface area.
Oxaliplatin has a characteristic side-effect profile that differs from that of other platinum agents. The most clinically significant is peripheral neuropathy, which occurs as tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet, which is exacerbated by cold temperatures and may become persistent with cumulative exposure. Other common side effects include:
Eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes supports bowel regularity and may help prevent cancer recurrence. Many studies done on survivors of colorectal cancer have shown that remaining active during and after treatment has positive effects on outcomes. The use of alcohol should be reduced or eliminated, while smoking cessation should occur both during and after the treatment period.
Individuals have many concerns about their body image following surgery, their ability to have normal bowel movements, and the emotional toll associated with being diagnosed with cancer. In addition to physical care, peer support groups, oncology social workers, and appropriate psychological counselling are all necessary.
Colorectal cancer is closely related to the lifestyle choices of the average person. Habits such as eating a low red-meat and high-fibre diet, getting sufficient exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are not small or insignificant; they are among the strongest tools for reducing the risk of developing cancer. The amount of research supporting these habits as beneficial is tremendous.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist or healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and guidance specific to your condition.