Colorectal cancer is the growth of a malignant tumor in the large intestine.
There are risk factors including polyps in the colon, presence of another cancer, family history of colorectal cancer, smoking, inflammatory bowel diseases, diet rich in protein and poor in fiber, sedentary lifestyle, viral infection by the human papillomavirus, etc. It usually appears between 50 and 60 years of age.
It manifests itself in a progressive manner with few symptoms. The most frequent symptoms are digestive bleeding, change in stool characteristics, weight loss and abdominal pain.
It is diagnosed by a detailed clinical history and physical examination including a digital rectal examination. The study will be completed with a fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, barium study, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment is surgical, accompanied by chemotherapy depending on each case.
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