With 43,000 new cases per year in France, the cancer colorectal – or colon-rectum – is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCa). This disease forms in the cells that line the wall of the large intestine. The latter is made up of the colon, which absorbs excess water and nutrients from digested food, and the rectum, which pushes the remaining waste out through the anus.
Colon and rectal cancers are grouped together under the same name, because “these organs are made of the same tissues and there is no clear limit between them”, specifies the Canadian Cancer Society.
Colorectal cancer usually develops gradually. In the early stages of the disease, it remains completely asymptomatic – that is, it does not cause any symptoms. When signs appear, it is often a sign that the tumor is growing and spreading to nearby organs.
However, the earlier a cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival. Still according to INCa, when colon cancer is detected in time and limited to the internal surface of the large intestine, it is cured in 90% of cases. When it reaches the nearby lymph nodes, the chances of survival drop to 70%… to fall to 13% once it has spread to other organs.
Hence the importance of get tested regularly. “In France, an organized screening program is offered (…)