What is the function of the colon and rectum?

The colon and rectum is a tubular organ known as the large intestine located in the abdomen. It is part of the digestive tract and its function is to absorb water and form and eliminate waste.

The large intestine is not an indispensable organ for living; when necessary, as in the case of a tumor, large portions or the entire intestine can be removed without compromising survival.

How does colon and / or rectal cancer develop?

Most colon and / or rectal cancers develop from adenomatous polyps that grow into the lumen of the gut. The presence of polyps is common in the population and only a small percentage progress to cancer.

The average time required to complete this progression is long, probably 10 years or more, which allows for the prevention or early detection of colon or rectal cancer and improve its prognosis.

What signs and symptoms does it give?

There are obvious signs or symptoms that may suggest their presence, in front of which you should consult your doctor:

• Red blood on stools
• Changes in bowel habits for more than six weeks
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained tiredness
• Persistent abdominal discomfort

Most of the time, however, the cancer does not produce any obvious signs or symptoms until the disease is advanced. However, polyps, and cancer in the early stages, can bleed intermittently, without this blood being obvious to the naked eye, is what we call 'fecal occult blood'.

Early detection of colon and / or rectal cancer and its importance

The fecal occult blood test makes it possible to identify these small losses that are not visible to the naked eye.

With the help of colonoscopy - which will be done only if necessary, to complete the study - these lesions can be diagnosed early before they produce symptoms, and this is when the treatment has the most guarantees of success both in short as well as long term, improving the prognosis and preserving the quality of life.

Early detection of colon and / or rectal cancer and detection and removal of polyps has been shown to reduce mortality from this type of tumor.

Can other types of prevention be done?

Known risk factors suggest other prevention actions that may decrease the risk of developing colon and / or rectal cancer, such as:

• Regular exercise.
• A diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• A controlled consumption of red or processed meats and animal fats.
• Total abstinence from smoking.