Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods of Colorectal Cancers

Colorectal Cancers

Colorectal cancers are among the cancer types that have increasingly gained importance in today's world and affect millions of people globally. This type of cancer starts in the colon and rectum and can spread rapidly, causing extremely serious health problems. Early diagnosis of colorectal cancers and proper treatment methods can significantly improve quality of life and survival duration. In this article we have prepared for you, we will try to provide information about what colorectal cancers are, their incidence, and causes.

What Are Colorectal Cancers?

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that occurs in the final parts of the digestive system, namely the colon (large intestine) and rectum (the portion of the intestine near the anus). Generally, this type of cancer begins with small, abnormal growths called benign polyps and can develop into cancerous cells over time. Colorectal cancers can be treated and controlled when caught in early stages and appropriate treatment is applied.

What Is the Incidence of Colorectal Cancers?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and ranks fourth among cancers causing death. Approximately 1.8 million new cases are diagnosed annually, and more than 900,000 people die from this disease each year. More common in developed countries, colorectal cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent due to aging populations and lifestyle factors.

What Are the Causes of Colorectal Cancers?

Although the exact cause of colorectal cancers is unknown, it is believed to be associated with certain risk factors. These risk factors include:

• Age,

• Genetic factors,

• Dietary habits,

• Lack of physical activity,

• Obesity,

• Tobacco and alcohol use,

• Inflammatory bowel diseases,

Prevention and early diagnosis of colorectal cancers require regular health check-ups and lifestyle modifications. Through these measures, early detection and successful treatment of the disease becomes possible.

What Are Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors?

Colorectal cancer consists of malignant tumors that appear in the colon and rectum. Being one of the most commonly seen cancer types worldwide, colorectal cancer can be controlled with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods. Colorectal cancer risk factors are as follows:

Colorectal cancer risk increases in individuals aged 50 and older. Therefore, regular screening tests starting from age 50 are important.

Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer have higher risk. It is recommended that people with relatives having this type of cancer inform their doctors and begin screening tests at an earlier age.

Certain genetic syndromes increase the risk of colorectal cancer. For example, hereditary conditions such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) predispose to this type of cancer.

High fat and red meat consumption, low-fiber diet, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco and alcohol use increase colorectal cancer risk.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes have higher colorectal cancer risk.

Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, increase colorectal cancer risk.

Obese individuals have higher colorectal cancer risk.

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may not be noticed in the early stages of the disease. However, the following symptoms may be observed in advanced stages:

• Diarrhea, constipation, or persistent changes in bowel habits.

• Bright red or black blood in the stool.

• Cramping, gas, or pain sensation in the abdominal area.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Persistent fatigue and feeling of lack of energy.

• Bleeding caused by colorectal cancer can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

What Are the Stages of Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer stages are used to determine the extent of disease spread and treatment options. The stages are as follows:

Stage 0: Cancer is present only in the inner layer of the intestinal wall.

Stage 1: Cancer has spread to the deeper layers of the intestinal wall but has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

Stage 2: Cancer has penetrated the entire intestinal wall and spread to surrounding tissues but has not affected lymph nodes and other organs.

Stage 3: Cancer has spread beyond the intestinal wall to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 4: Cancer has spread to lymph nodes and other organs (such as the liver, lungs, peritoneum, or bone).

Colorectal cancer stages play an important role in determining the disease prognosis and treatment options. Cancers diagnosed in early stages can be controlled more successfully with appropriate treatment, and patients' survival duration and quality of life can be improved.

How Is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the colon and rectum. This type of cancer, which has a high chance of being cured when diagnosed early, is among the most common cancer types worldwide. There are several methods used for diagnosing colorectal cancer. These methods are as follows:

The doctor will evaluate the patient's symptoms and medical history, and inquire whether there is a family history of cancer. Subsequently, the doctor will examine the patient's abdominal and rectal areas.

Tests called fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are used to check for blood in the stool. These tests play an important role in early diagnosis of colorectal cancers.

Colonoscopy is the most effective method used to examine the inner surface of the colon and rectum. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) through the anus into the colon and visualizes the inside of the intestine. If any abnormal structures (polyps, tumors) are detected during colonoscopy, the doctor can remove these structures and take samples for biopsy.

Biopsy is the microscopic examination of tissue samples taken to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Samples obtained during colonoscopy are evaluated in a pathology laboratory, and a determination is made regarding the presence of cancer cells.

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): These imaging methods are used in staging colorectal cancers and determining the extent of spread. Additionally, they play an important role in pre- and post-operative treatment planning.

How Is Colorectal Cancer Treated?

Treatment of colorectal cancers varies depending on the patient's general health status, cancer stage, and extent of spread. The main treatment methods are as follows:

Surgery is the most commonly used method in the treatment of colorectal cancers. It is performed by removing cancerous tissue and the surrounding healthy tissue. Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery allow patients to recover more rapidly.

This treatment method aims to kill cancer cells using radiation and is usually used before or after surgery. Radiotherapy can stop cancer progression and relieve symptoms.

This method is based on the use of drugs to prevent cancer cell growth and proliferation. It can be applied before surgery, after surgery, or in combination with radiotherapy. Chemotherapy helps prevent cancer spread and reduces recurrence risk.

Targeted therapies: These treatments work by targeting special characteristics of cancer cells. Targeted therapies used in colorectal cancers affect proteins and receptors that prevent tumor growth and spread.

Immunotherapy aims to destroy cancer cells by using the body's immune system. Immunotherapies used in colorectal cancers make the immune system more effective against cancer cells.

There are various methods for diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancers. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment improve patients' quality of life and extend survival duration. Therefore, it is important that individuals with risk factors undergo regular check-ups and screening tests.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in gaining recognition worldwide through its investments and efforts in the healthcare field. In particular, the latest technological equipment used in diagnostic and treatment procedures has brought hope for many diseases. Additionally, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and healthcare attendants being friendly and compassionate,

• Quick and accurate answers to questions,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company assisting the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering vacation opportunities with its natural and historical attractions,

• Easy accessibility,

• Meeting diagnostic, treatment, accommodation, food, beverage, clothing, and vacation needs at affordable prices,

are among the stated reasons for preference. Regarding Colorectal Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives wishing to come to Turkey are conducting research. However, at this point, it would not be appropriate to provide exact pricing information. Many factors affect pricing such as the type and stage of the disease, diagnostic process, treatment process, and duration of stay in Turkey. If you wish to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our mediation, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.