Screening for colon cancer (colon cancer) over occult blood in the stool reduces the incidence of this cancer. It now appears certain that annual or biennial screening by detection of faecal blood loss due to colon cancer reduces mortality. There are studies on more than 46,551 patients over 18 years who do not only show that the mortality declines, but the incidence of colon carcinoma, just as more precancerous polyps are found and treated.

What causes colorectal cancer?

An exact cause of colorectal cancer designate, is usually not possible. There are a number of risk factors that increase the risk of colon cancer, such as:

1. polyps (adenomas), they are 95% of the cases the cause of colon cancer. These adenomas are usually benign in the beginning, but could become a malignant tumour. The change of a benign polyp (adenoma) to malignant cancer probably takes about 10 years.
2. Certain chronic intestinal inflammations (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
3. People of which there is frequently colorectal cancer in the family, without a known genetic mutation.
4. Finally, some forms of hereditary colon cancer.

Also food (low intake of fruit, vegetables and fibers and too much fat intake), smoking and low physical activity are playing a role in the development of colon cancer. A number of “alarm symptoms” can indicate adenocarcinoma, this does not always indicate cancer but when they occur, see best a doctor:

1. an unexplained and persistent change in bowel pattern (constipation, diarrhea) for over 6 weeks
2. the presence of blood in the stool
3. persistent abdominal pain
4. weight loss, prolonged loss of appetite, without a clearly identifiable reason

Can colorectal cancer be prevented?

First, you can prevent this cancer by adapting your lifestyle, so there is less chance of developing the cancer. The WHO and the program “Europe against Cancer” recommend more fruits, vegetables and fibers and less fat and red meat to eat. This would reduce number of colon cancers in 20 to 30%. It is recommended to take more physical exercise and reduce alcohol and tobacco use.
Alternatively, you can ensure that the cancer is discovered in the early stages, so that early treatment can be started. This is the relatively favorable prognosis of patients, survival after 5 years ranges from almost 70 to over 90%, depending on the exact stage at the time of diagnosis. Here, the smaller the tumor, the greater the chance of survival.
But colorectal cancer at an advanced stage with metastases elsewhere in the body, has an extremely unfavorable prognosis. The survival after 5 years then drops to around 5%. It is very important that the cancer is detected early. The GP may well be patients from 50 years - from 40 years and if there are risk factors - screening for colorectal cancer services. Being screened regularly reduces the chance of dying of colon cancer 15 to 25%.

BUT: Blood in stool is not always cancer. It may have an innocent cause such as cracks in the anus or hemorrhoids. Also a stomach ulcer can give black stool because of the bleeding from the stomach. In any case, if you detect blood in your faeces, ALWAYS contact your doctor.