Colorectal cancers are cancers that affect the colon and rectum. The spelling of this term is fairly straightforward as it is spelled phonetically. The first syllable is pronounced /kəʊl/ with the accent on the first vowel sound, followed by the syllable /rɛk/ which is pronounced with a short 'e' sound. The final syllable is pronounced as /təl/ with a slightly stressed 'o' sound. This word can be broken down into three syllables with the first syllable being the most stressed.
Colorectal cancers, also known as colorectal adenocarcinomas, are a type of cancer that originates in the colon or rectum. The colon and rectum are parts of the digestive system, with the colon being the larger intestine and the rectum serving as the final part of the large intestine before excretion.
Colorectal cancers typically develop from small growths called polyps that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some of these polyps may become cancerous, resulting in the growth of abnormal cells. These cells can then invade and spread to nearby tissues and, in advanced stages, may metastasize to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
Risk factors for colorectal cancers include age (most cases occur in individuals over 50), family history of the disease, inflammatory bowel disease, certain inherited conditions, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a diet high in red meat and processed foods, and lack of physical activity.
Symptoms of colorectal cancers may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and anemia. Early detection of colorectal cancers is crucial for successful treatment, and routine screenings such as colonoscopies are recommended for individuals at risk.
Treatment options for colorectal cancers depend on the stage and location of the cancer but may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for colorectal cancers can be significantly improved.
The word "colorectal" originates from the combination of two words: "colore" and "rectal".
- "Colore" stems from the Latin word "color", meaning "color". It refers to the large intestine (colon) where the waste material obtains its characteristic brown color.
- "Rectal" comes from the Latin word "rectum", which denotes the final section of the large intestine before the anus.
"Cancers" is derived from the Latin word "cancer", meaning "crab". This term was used to describe any malignant tumor due to the way it spreads its tendrils, somewhat resembling the legs of a crab.