It's possible to beat colorectal cancer if...

Cancer continues to wreak havoc in our country every year, but if there's one cancer that could be combated really effectively, it's colorectal cancer.

When you consider that 9 out of 10 people are cured of colorectal cancer if it is detected early enough, you can see the enormous benefits of early detection for this type of cancer.

Almost 16,000 lives could be saved each year, out of the 17,684 deaths recorded (2017 figures). A devastating cancer that kills almost 6 times more people than road accidents.

What exactly is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in France and the 2nd most deadly. 95% of cases occur after the age of 50, in both men and women.

It forms in the colon or rectum, i.e. the last part of the large intestine.
The cancer cells first appear on the mucosa, the inner surface lining the wall of the intestine and rectum (stage 0).
Then, little by little, they reach the deeper layers (stage I and II). Things get more complicated when the cancer cells spread elsewhere (stage III).
The lymph nodes may be affected, but even at this stage it is possible to intervene to halt the progression.
On the other hand, when cancer cells begin to invade other organs (liver, lungs) and develop metastases, the disease is at stage IV.
Treatment options are then available (surgery, chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy).

The development of colorectal cancer

It can take several years to develop (on average around ten years). It forms from polyps in the mucosa.
Most often, these are benign lesions, but the polyps can develop into a cancerous tumour.

Causes and risk factors for colorectal cancer

Researchers have identified the main causes and risk factors for colorectal cancer.
The main cause of colorectal cancer is age: the older people are, the greater their risk of developing cancer.
That's why it's important to have regular screening tests, every 2 years.

Studies have also shown that colorectal cancer is much more common in industrialised countries.
This is because our lifestyles, and particularly our diet, can be at the root of the development of this cancer.

• Fatty foods,
• red meat and excessive consumption of charcuterie should be avoided to limit the risk of developing cancer.
• Alcohol and smoking are two other lifestyle habits that can play a part: researchers have shown that the combination of alcohol and tobacco increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by a factor of 8.6.

Symptoms to look out for

To prevent the development of colorectal cancer, there are several symptoms to look out for. Consult your GP if you notice :

• intestinal transit problems (diarrhoea, prolonged constipation, increased abdominal volume) ;
• blood in the stools
• unexplained weight loss and/or recent loss of appetite;
• abnormal fatigue.

Colorectal cancer screening

From the age of 50, screening tests should be carried out every two years.

A new free immunological test has recently been introduced by the Ministry of Health. The new test is simple, quick and easy to do at home.
The results are sent directly to your GP who prescribed the test.

If the test is positive (4.5%), your GP will prescribe a colonoscopy to examine the rectum and colon in more detail.

Treatments for colorectal cancer

Treatment for colorectal cancer is unique and depends on the patient and his or her history. If the cancer is established, surgery is essential to remove the parts affected by the tumour.
The patient will need radiotherapy and chemotherapy to remove the cancer cells.

If the tumour is at an early stage, it is possible toremove the affected polyps during a colonoscopy.

So beating colorectal cancer is indeed possible... And the key remains prevention and early detection, as we can never stress enough!

So don't wait any longer - talk to your GP!