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At Essay For All, you can get Colorectal Cancer Nursing Assignment Help from our seasoned online tutors. Colorectal cancer is a cancer type occurring due to the growth of colon or rectum cells beyond control. It is synonymous with colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer type and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Accordingly, this cancer type begins in the large intestine (colon), the last part of the digestive tract.
It is more prevalent in older persons. It always begins as a small non-cancerous clump of cells called polyps forming the internal part of the large intestine. Gradually, some of these polyps can become colon cancer. This cancer begins in the colon or rectum. Sometimes, polyps (abnormal growth) can form in the colon or rectum. Early screening can be instrumental in identifying polyps and removing them before they become cancerous.
A background understanding of colorectal cancer
Generally, colon cancer begins in the large intestine. It can begin in the colon or rectum; thus, colon and rectal cancer are always grouped because they share multiple similar features. However, getting a detailed understanding of colorectal cancer will help if you understand the standard structure and functions of the large intestine and rectum. First, the most significant part of the large intestine encompasses a long muscular tube (colon). Colon has multiple parts described below based on the food passing through them:
- The first part of the colon is ascending colon since it holds the undigested food substances from the small intestine
- Secondly, we have a transverse colon cutting across the body from the right to the left
- We also have the descending colon, which travels down on the left side
- Finally, we have the sigmoid colon with an “s” shape and links with the rectum, which connects it to the anus.
The colon and rectum work hand-in-hand. For instance, the colon absorbs water and salt from the remaining food substances after it passes through the small intestine. The food left after passing through the large intestine goes through the rectum. This waste matter is stored in the rectum until released outside the body through the anus. In most cases, colorectal cancer begins as a growth in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
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The growths are popularly known as polyps. Some types of polyps change gradually into cancer after several years. However, not all polyps become cancerous. Research shows that the probability of a polyp becoming cancerous depends on the type of polyp it is. After colon cancer develops from polyps, it can eventually grow into the colon or rectum wall. Colon’s wall encompasses multiple layers. Generally, colorectal begins in the innermost layer and spreads throughout these layers.
Causes and risk factors associated with colorectal cancer
Studies show that most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas because they begin in the cells making mucus that lubricate the colon’s interior. The precise cause of colorectal cancer remains unknown to date. However, there is a consensus that this cancer type begins when healthy cells in the colon undergo mutation in their DNA. These healthy cells grow and divide sequentially to ensure your body’s smooth and proper functioning.
Unfortunately, when a cell’s DNA becomes cancerous, the cells will continue to divide beyond control. As a result, the accumulation of these cells results in a tumor. Gradually, the cancer cells can overpower and destroy the normal cells. For this reason, cancerous cells can spread to other body parts and metastasize in those parts. In the early days, colorectal cancer does not show any visible symptoms. For this reason, a person can have this cancer but not recognize it. The general symptoms include:
- Change in bowel habits
- Blood presence in a person’s stool
- Abdominal pain, aches, or persistent cramps
- Diarrhea, constipation, and failure of the bowel to empty completely
- Weight loss without any substantial justification
Besides the causes and symptoms, colorectal cancer has multiple risk factors, increasing individual chances of developing this cancer. Most people believe that your chances of getting colorectal cancer increase with age. However, additional risk factors increase a person’s chance of colorectal cancer. They include the following:
- Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease and other ulcerative colitis increases your vulnerability to colon cancer
- Old age also exacerbates your chances of developing colorectal cancer. However, this cancer type can be diagnosed at any age. Statistics show that most individuals diagnosed with colon cancer are over fifty years
- African American origin persons have a high chance of developing this disease, unlike other races
The recommended measures to reduce colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer can be avoided through early screening tests to find polyps to eliminate them before they turn cancerous. Over the years, scientists have continued working globally to find effective ways of curbing this cancer type. The highly recommended strategy for reducing your colorectal cancer is regular screening. This will ensure that polyps are identified earlier and removed before they become cancerous.
Research shows that all colorectal cancer begins as polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon. Polyps can be present in the polyps for years before becoming invasive cancer. During the early stages, polyps may not show any visible symptoms. Therefore, you can have colorectal cancer without noticing. The recommended screening strategies allow early identification of precancerous polyps to be removed early before developing into cancer. Other appropriate strategies for preventing your colorectal cancer risks include the following:
- Research findings outline that an appropriate diet is critical in minimizing your colorectal cancer risks. For example, experts recommend a diet low in animal fats, and high in fruits and whole grains can significantly reduce your vulnerability to colorectal cancer
- Secondly, aspirin can also reduce your susceptibility to colon cancer. Studies undertaken by the United States Preventive Services Task Force disclosed that aspirin doses could significantly prevent colorectal cancer
- Finally, healthy choices also mitigate colorectal cancer risks. For instance, some studies show that physical activity and avoidance of alcohol and cigarette reduces your risks of developing such infections
