Peräsuolistosyöpä

Peräsuolistosyöpä, also known as colorectal cancer, refers to cancer that begins in the large intestine or rectum. It is a significant public health concern globally. The majority of colorectal cancers develop from polyps, which are small growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Not all polyps are cancerous, but some can become so over time.

Risk factors for developing peräsuolistosyöpä include increasing age, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and certain genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome). Lifestyle factors also play a role, including a diet low in fiber and high in red and processed meats, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption.

Symptoms can vary and may not appear until the cancer is advanced. Common signs include a change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool), rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas, or pain, and unexplained weight loss. Fatigue can also be a symptom.

Screening is crucial for early detection and prevention. It involves tests to find polyps before they turn into cancer or to find cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. Recommended screening methods include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood tests, and stool DNA tests. Regular screening is advised for individuals starting at a certain age or those with higher risk factors.

Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted drug therapy. Early detection significantly improves prognosis and treatment outcomes for peräsuolistosyöpä.