Colorectal cancer
Early detection saves lives
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal carcinoma, is a malignant tumor disease of the colon or rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer in Austria.
Recognize symptoms
Early stages of colon cancer often cause no symptoms. However, look out for the following warning signs:
- Changes in bowel movements: persistent diarrhea, constipation or an alternation between the two.
- Blood in the stool: Visible or hidden blood can indicate bleeding in the intestines.
- Unusual stools: Very narrow, pencil-shaped stools could indicate a narrowing of the bowel.
- Abdominal pain: Recurrent cramps, bloating or pain in the abdominal area.
- Unintentional weight loss and tiredness: These may indicate a serious illness.
Please note that these symptoms can also occur with less serious illnesses. Nevertheless, it is important to consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
Importance of prevention
Early detection significantly increases the chances of a cure. In Austria, regular bowel cancer screening is recommended for adults aged 50 and over. The most common methods are
- Colonoscopy (colonoscopy): Allows direct examination of the bowel and removal of polyps that can develop into cancer.
- Stool tests: Examine the stool for hidden blood, a possible sign of cancer.
Risk factors
- Age: People over 50 are more frequently affected.
- Family history: First-degree relatives with colon cancer increase your own risk.
- Unhealthy lifestyle: A low-fiber diet, high meat consumption, lack of exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer by taking the following measures:
- Healthy diet: High-fiber diet with lots of fruit, vegetables and whole grain products.
- Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Avoid smoking and moderate alcohol consumption: these reduce the overall risk of cancer.
- Regular preventive check-ups: Particularly important for people at increased risk.
Treatment
The treatment of colon cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the exact location of the tumor and the patient’s general state of health. The aim is to remove the tumor completely and maximize the chances of recovery.
Surgical therapy
Surgery is the central treatment measure for localized colon cancer. The affected section of bowel is removed together with adjacent lymph nodes. The remaining intestinal ends are then reconnected in order to maintain natural bowel function. In most cases, there is no need for an artificial bowel outlet (stoma). Modern surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive “keyhole surgery”, often allow the tumor to be removed more gently.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is mainly used for rectal cancer (rectal carcinoma). It can be carried out before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor and increase the chances of complete removal.
Chemotherapy in the early stages
Chemotherapy is used in addition to surgery, particularly if the cancer has already spread to the lymph nodes or there is an increased risk of recurrence. Drugs (cytostatics) are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy can be administered before the operation (neoadjuvant) to reduce the size of the tumor or after the operation (adjuvant) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy, targeted therapies and late-stage immunotherapy
Chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapies (depending on the molecular profile, particularly in the case of microsatellite instability) can be used for advanced colorectal cancer. These modern treatment approaches target specific properties of the tumor cells or activate the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer. The decision for such therapies is based on individual factors.