Colorectal cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers in Indonesia. According to the WHO, it holds the fourth position, surpassing prostate and ovarian cancers. Lifestyle changes are suspected to be a significant trigger leading to the increasing number of colorectal cancer cases each year.
Definition
Colorectal cancer originates in the inner lining of the large intestine’s wall. Polyps, which are growths on the intestine, can evolve into cancer, although some may remain benign.
If left untreated, cancer originating from the large intestine can spread to other organs.
Causes
The large intestine is comprised of mucosal membrane layers, tissues, and muscles. Cancer cells typically develop in the mucosal layer, which is the innermost layer of the large intestine. This layer contains cells that produce and release mucus and other fluids. When cells grow uncontrollably in this layer, polyps, or growths, can form.
Over time, polyps can develop into cancer.
Several factors may increase the risk of this disease, including:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Excessive consumption of processed foods and red meat, such as meatballs and sausages
- Lack of physical activity
- History of gastrointestinal inflammation
- Family history of the same disease
Symptoms
Symptoms of this type of cancer can vary. However, generally, some common symptoms include:
- Bloody stools
- Changes in bowel habits (becoming less frequent or more frequent)
- Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Persistent bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and weakness
Diagnosis
Several examinations can be conducted to detect colorectal cancer, such as:
1. Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy involves using a small tube inserted into the digestive tract. The tube contains a camera, allowing the doctor to directly observe the condition inside the body without surgery.
In addition to the camera, the doctor may also place a small operating tool. This is done to remove growths or polyps in the large intestine.
2. Biopsy
Biopsy is a procedure for taking tissue samples to be examined in the laboratory. To obtain tissue in the large intestine, the doctor can do this during a colonoscopy.
In the laboratory, it will be determined whether the tissue sample contains cancer cells.
3. Blood tests
Blood tests can also help detect colorectal cancer. Mandaya Hospital Puri provides the Septin-9 DNA examination service, which can detect with a sensitivity rate of up to 96.3% in stages 1-4.
Individuals receiving comprehensive treatment while colorectal cancer is still in the early stage have a relatively high five-year survival rate, reaching 90%.
Treatment
Treatment can be administered in several ways, including:
1. Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for this type of cancer. Types of surgery that can be performed include:
- Polypectomy: Surgery to remove polyps in the large intestine.
- Laparoscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgery performed through small incisions in the abdominal wall.
- Partial colectomy: Surgery to remove a part of the large intestine affected by cancer.
- Resection surgery with colostomy: Removal of a portion of the large intestine affected by cancer, but can no longer be connected to the healthy intestine, so it will be connected to a special pouch. This procedure is called a colostomy.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is usually performed to shrink tumors or growths and alleviate cancer symptoms.
3. Targeted Therapy
This therapy targets genes, proteins, and tissues involved in the development and growth of cancer cells. In targeted therapy, doctors create artificial antibodies that will target cancer cells.
Prevention
Several measures can be taken to reduce the risk, such as:
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Consuming a healthy diet
- Knowing family health history to enable early detection
- Regular health check-ups with a doctor
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri has a cancer center with complete equipment and experienced specialist doctors. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with our doctor via WhatsApp Chat, the Book Appointment page, or the Care Doctor app, available for download on Google Play and the App Store. In addition to appointments, you can also monitor your queue number and access other comprehensive information there.
