It has been studied that 10% of people with colorectal cancer inherit it genetically. That means if someone in your family has a history of colorectal cancer, you also have a similar risk. Importantly, this disease is not dependent on age.
What symptoms should raise suspicion?
Dr. Ob Chula Trachu, a consultant in medical genetics and molecular medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Phyathai 2 Hospital, explained the early symptoms of colorectal cancer that we can observe: “Patients often experience alternating constipation and diarrhea, anemia, fatigue, some may have bloody stools, or a palpable mass in the abdomen.”
What causes this cancer?
When genetics or genes that control the growth of intestinal cells, normally the intestinal lining cells maintain a balance between growth and destruction of aged or altered cells, for any reason such as toxins, radiation, or even certain medications, cause genetic mutations that impair the ability to maintain this balance. When cells lose this balance, there is a chance they will grow into a mass and eventually become cancerous. Another cause we should not overlook is a low-fiber diet, eating grilled, burnt, or charred foods, or irritation of the intestines from constipation. These behaviors can stimulate mutations in the intestines.
Age is not always the determining factor
Although colorectal cancer in our country is commonly found in people aged 50 and over, in hereditary cases, patients may start showing symptoms at a young age. Some people as young as 20 years old already have symptoms. Therefore, whenever there is even one person in the family with the disease, the others should promptly get tested to assess their risk. This allows for early screening and timely treatment because, as mentioned, detecting the disease early can lead to a complete cure.
When do you fall into the “risk group”?
- Direct relatives such as father, mother, or siblings diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 45, even if only one person.
- Direct relatives diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 60, with at least 2 people.
- Other family members including grandparents, uncles, aunts, or cousins diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 3 or more people, regardless of age.
- Family members diagnosed with colorectal cancer along with other cancers such as pancreatic cancer, small intestine cancer, stomach cancer, brain cancer, ovarian cancer, etc., in multiple people.
