Colorectal cancer happens when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the large intestines, colon or rectum. This cancer is common in both men and women.

It starts as harmless growths in the intestines, called polyps. But some polyps become cancerous.

Like other medical condition, there are modifiable risk factors and non-modifiable ones. Non-modifiabke risk factors include age and family history, while modifiable ones include excercise, food, smoking and obesity, especially having too much fat around the waist.

Try to avoid: Diet high in red or processed meats, or those cooked at high temperature. Screening is always recommended if one detects any abnormality. This condition normally has no early warning, but there are tell-tale signs that one should never ignore.

 Blood in the stool, which may happen as the disease gets worse.

 Pain in the belly

 Change in bowel habits (like constipation or diarrhea)

Tests to diagnose colorectal cancer include X-ray of colon cancer, barium enema, sigmoidoscopy, fecal blood test and advanced techniques.

Stages of colorectal cancer.

    Stage 0 — Cancer is only in the innermost lining of the colon or rectum.

    Stage I — Cancer has grown into the muscle layer of the colon or rectum.

   Stage II — Cancer has grown into or through the outermost layer of the colon or rectum.

    Stage III — Cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes in the area.

    Stage IV — Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lung, or bones.

Treatment, which may include surgery, has a very high cure rate in the early stages. Radiation and chemotherapy are used as treatment and may reduce symptoms and help one live longer.

Proper nutrition and diet are important in helping to prevent many diseases, including colorectal cancer. Try getting more nutrients from the food you eat rather than from supplements.

Eat a healthy, cancer-fighting diet — choose most of the foods you eat from plant sources, limit intake of high-fat foods, particularly from animal sources, be physically active, limit consumption of alcoholic beverages, avoid highly processed foods, red meat and refined grains. Fibre is thought to be a powerful weapon against cancer.