Colorectal cancer: An overview

Cancer is second leading cause of death across globe with 9.6 million deaths in 2018 as reported by WHO. Cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells which results into malignant tumours and then leads to death if not treated on time. Colorectal cancer ranks third among the cancer related deaths in western hemisphere. It is leading health problem among the geriatric patients mostly above the age of 50. Early screening and diagnosis amongst these populations is the major step towards prevention and cure of cancer. It starts from formation of polyps due to diet and hereditary factors which further invade the inner layers of the colon and the rectum leading to a major health problem. Colorectal cancer detection and screening too is challenging one, and its mandatory for an individual for undergoing screening tests like faecal occult blood test (FOBT) for the one approaching the age of 50 and above and the one who has a family history of colorectal cancer as stated by CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention). Treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer has become a challenge for health professionals to tackle it, and is in practice done with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.