Causes of colon cancer
The exact causes for the development of colorectal cancer are still largely unknown. It is certain, however, that there are certain precursor structures (intestinal polyp) which can be detected and removed early in the course of colorectal cancer screening. In addition, the occurrence of various forms of colorectal cancer is more frequent in certain patient groups. For this reason, factors have been described that are believed to increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. These risk factors include: severe obesity long-term nicotine consumption lack of exercise low-fibre nutrition alcohol consumption chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) family history
- Massive overweight
- Long-term nicotine consumption
- Lack of exercise
- Low fiber diet
- Alcohol consumption
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Family burden
Symptoms of colon cancer
The symptoms of colorectal cancer can be quite different depending on the exact location. However, since early detection of degenerated cells greatly improves the patient’s prognosis, special warning signs should be observed. Often, however, a tumour in the area of the intestine develops over a long period of time without causing symptoms.
For this reason, most forms of colorectal cancer are only diagnosed at a late stage without appropriate colorectal cancer screening. Nevertheless, patients should consult a specialist as soon as possible if the following symptoms occur. Blood admixtures on or in the stool Intestinal cramps that occur more frequently over a period of at least one week Foul-smelling bowel movements Changes in bowel habits (e.g. the alternation between diarrhoea and constipation, frequent bowel movements, pencil-thin bowel movements) Abdominal pain Unwanted discharge of stool or mucus in the case of flatulence Unclear weight loss Loss of appetite, listlessness, tiredness Night sweat persistent fever palpable hardening of the abdomen
- Blood admixtures on or in the stool
- Intestinal cramps that occur more frequently over a period of at least one week
- Bad smelling stool
- Changes in bowel habits (e.g. the change between diarrhoea and constipation, frequent bowel movements, pencil-thin bowel movements)
- Abdominal pain
- Unwanted expulsion of stool or mucus in case of flatulence
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite, listlessness, fatigue
- Night sweat
- Continued fever
- Palpable sclerosis of the abdomen
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