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What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor of the colon or rectum arising from the colorectal mucosal epithelium. Its development follows a multistep progression from normal mucosa to adenoma and then carcinoma, and it is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide.
Main types and classification of colorectal cancer
1.Adenocarcinoma The most common type, including subtypes such as papillary adenocarcinoma, tubular adenocarcinoma, and mucinous adenocarcinoma.
2.Squamous cell carcinoma Relatively rare, occurring mainly in the rectal–anal canal region.
3.Adenosquamous carcinoma Contains both adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma components.
4.Undifferentiated carcinoma Highly aggressive with poor differentiation and an unfavorable prognosis.
5.Chromosomal instability type The most common pathway, characterized by aneuploidy and loss of heterozygosity.
6.Microsatellite instability type Associated with Lynch syndrome or sporadic MSI, and generally has a better prognosis.
7.CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) More common in older women and in the right-sided colon.
8.BRAF-mutant type Often associated with CIMP and MSI and is linked to poorer outcomes.
9.KRAS-mutant type An important predictive marker of resistance to anti-EGFR therapy.
Etiology of colorectal cancer
1.Genetic factors Hereditary conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome substantially increase risk.
2.Dietary habits High-fat, low-fiber diets and excessive intake of red and processed meats.
3.Lifestyle factors Smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and obesity are major risk factors.
4.Intestinal diseases Chronic inflammatory stimulation from inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
5.Age Risk increases after age 50, although the proportion of early-onset cases is rising.
6.Gut microbiota Dysbiosis is closely associated with colorectal carcinogenesis and progression.
Prevention and health maintenance for colorectal cancer
1.Regular screening Fecal occult blood testing for initial screening; colonoscopy is the gold standard. Screening generally begins at age 50 for average-risk individuals and earlier for high-risk groups.
2.Healthy diet Increase dietary fiber, reduce red and processed meats, and increase intake of fruits and vegetables.
3.Lifestyle optimization Quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, engage in moderate exercise, control body weight, and avoid prolonged sitting.
4.Risk factor management Actively manage inflammatory bowel disease, pay attention to family history, and undergo regular professional risk assessment.
Conclusion
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing and affecting younger populations. Promoting healthy lifestyles and standardized screening enables early detection and timely treatment. Individualized strategies integrating surgery and targeted therapies based on stage and molecular characteristics, supported by MDT-based multidisciplinary collaboration, can substantially improve outcomes and quality of survival.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor of the colon or rectum arising from the colorectal mucosal epithelium. Its development follows a multistep progression from normal mucosa to adenoma and then carcinoma, and it is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide.
Main types and classification of colorectal cancer
1.Adenocarcinoma The most common type, including subtypes such as papillary adenocarcinoma, tubular adenocarcinoma, and mucinous adenocarcinoma.
2.Squamous cell carcinoma Relatively rare, occurring mainly in the rectal–anal canal region.
3.Adenosquamous carcinoma Contains both adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma components.
4.Undifferentiated carcinoma Highly aggressive with poor differentiation and an unfavorable prognosis.
5.Chromosomal instability type The most common pathway, characterized by aneuploidy and loss of heterozygosity.
6.Microsatellite instability type Associated with Lynch syndrome or sporadic MSI, and generally has a better prognosis.
7.CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) More common in older women and in the right-sided colon.
8.BRAF-mutant type Often associated with CIMP and MSI and is linked to poorer outcomes.
9.KRAS-mutant type An important predictive marker of resistance to anti-EGFR therapy.
Etiology of colorectal cancer
1.Genetic factors Hereditary conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome substantially increase risk.
2.Dietary habits High-fat, low-fiber diets and excessive intake of red and processed meats.
3.Lifestyle factors Smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and obesity are major risk factors.
4.Intestinal diseases Chronic inflammatory stimulation from inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
5.Age Risk increases after age 50, although the proportion of early-onset cases is rising.
6.Gut microbiota Dysbiosis is closely associated with colorectal carcinogenesis and progression.
Prevention and health maintenance for colorectal cancer
1.Regular screening Fecal occult blood testing for initial screening; colonoscopy is the gold standard. Screening generally begins at age 50 for average-risk individuals and earlier for high-risk groups.
2.Healthy diet Increase dietary fiber, reduce red and processed meats, and increase intake of fruits and vegetables.
3.Lifestyle optimization Quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, engage in moderate exercise, control body weight, and avoid prolonged sitting.
4.Risk factor management Actively manage inflammatory bowel disease, pay attention to family history, and undergo regular professional risk assessment.
Conclusion
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing and affecting younger populations. Promoting healthy lifestyles and standardized screening enables early detection and timely treatment. Individualized strategies integrating surgery and targeted therapies based on stage and molecular characteristics, supported by MDT-based multidisciplinary collaboration, can substantially improve outcomes and quality of survival.