What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that is caused by the uncontrolled growth of malignant (cancerous) cells in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
The colon and rectum, also known as the large intestine, are parts of the digestive system. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water and excrete solid waste.
The wall of the colon and rectum is composed of several layers. Colorectal cancer begins in the innermost layer of the wall (the mucosa) and can spread outward into the other layers and beyond. The stage, or extent, of the disease (see later) depends on how far the cancer has spread.
Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps. Polyps are small, benign (noncancerous) growths that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Not all polyps change into cancer. Whether or not they do depends on the type of polyp. Adenomatous polyps (adenomas) are the most common type of polyp that can change into cancer. They are what physicians refer to as a precancerous condition. Certain types of hyperplastic polyps, specifically microvesicular …show more content…
• Diet: People whose diets are high in fat are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer risk. This is also true for people whose diets are high in red meat and processed meats. Fatty foods are slower to digest, meaning waste spends more time in contact with the digestive tract. Cooking meats at very high temperatures creates chemicals that may increase cancer risk, but the link between the two is unclear. Diets high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can decrease a person’s colorectal cancer risk. Fiber supplements do not appear to affect risk.
• Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. Increasing one’s level of activity may decrease
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that is caused by the uncontrolled growth of malignant (cancerous) cells in the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
The colon and rectum, also known as the large intestine, are parts of the digestive system. The primary function of the large intestine is to absorb water and excrete solid waste.
The wall of the colon and rectum is composed of several layers. Colorectal cancer begins in the innermost layer of the wall (the mucosa) and can spread outward into the other layers and beyond. The stage, or extent, of the disease (see later) depends on how far the cancer has spread.
Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps. Polyps are small, benign (noncancerous) growths that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Not all polyps change into cancer. Whether or not they do depends on the type of polyp. Adenomatous polyps (adenomas) are the most common type of polyp that can change into cancer. They are what physicians refer to as a precancerous condition. Certain types of hyperplastic polyps, specifically microvesicular …show more content…
• Diet: People whose diets are high in fat are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer risk. This is also true for people whose diets are high in red meat and processed meats. Fatty foods are slower to digest, meaning waste spends more time in contact with the digestive tract. Cooking meats at very high temperatures creates chemicals that may increase cancer risk, but the link between the two is unclear. Diets high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can decrease a person’s colorectal cancer risk. Fiber supplements do not appear to affect risk.
• Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. Increasing one’s level of activity may decrease