Risk factors for the cancer include heredity, colon polyps (masses of tissue that form on the inside of the colon) and long-term ulcerative colitis (inflammation in the lining of the bowel).
Colorectal cancer in its early stages usually does not cause any symptoms. When symptoms occur, the cancer may be more difficult to treat. The most common symptoms include:
The disease is diagnosed through a colonoscopy, followed by a biopsy of suspicious tissues.
Treatment depends on the location, size, and extent of cancer spread, as well as the age and health of the patient.
Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and catching the disease early would mean a five-year survival rate of more than 95 per cent.