What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer encompasses cancers of the colon and rectum. It is one of the forms of cancer The most common in France. Colorectal cancer develops from the cells that line the inner wall of the abdomen. of the colon or rectumMost often, malignant tumors originate from a benign tumor, called adenomatous polypwhich develops slowly and eventually becomes cancerous. This uncontrolled cell growth results from a genetic mutation. Colorectal cancer can be effectively treated with a early detection.
Colorectal cancer in figures
Colorectal cancer affects more than 45,000 people per year in France and kills nearly 17,000.It affects men and women equally. It is the third most common cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. It is the leading cause of cancer hospitalization in France. While the incidence rate has remained stable for several years, a gradual decline in mortality has been observed, thanks in particular to advances in treatment and the development of screening programs.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
signs and symptoms the most frequent of colorectal cancer are:
- Intestinal transit disorders manifesting as progressive constipation or persistent diarrhea.
- Recurrent nausea and vomiting
- A pressing urge to defecate
- Narrower than usual saddles
- A sensation of incomplete rectal emptying
- The presence of blood in the stool
Causes and risk factors of colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is favored by the coexistence of several factors in an individual.
Here are the main risk factors for colorectal cancer:
- Aging: the risk increases with age.
- Le diet
- Overweight and obesity
- The absence or lack of physical activity
- Alcohol and tobacco consumption
- Genetic inheritance
How to prevent and detect colorectal cancer?
Every two years, the French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) invites people aged 50 to 74 to order for free a screening kit The test is available online for easy home testing. This kit can also be obtained from a doctor or pharmacist. The test is quick, easy to perform, and fully covered. In 96% of cases, the results show no abnormalities.
What are the best practices for preventing colorectal cancer?
Adopt a balanced diet:
- Consume fiber (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains) to promote good digestion.
- Limit red meat (500g/week) and processed meat (150g/week).
- Eat two dairy products a day for digestive health.
Move regularly:
- Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day.
- Reduce sedentary behavior by getting up and moving around every two hours.
*It is important to stay hydrated before, during, and after exercise.
Reduce risk factors:
- Reduce alcohol consumption (maximum 2 drinks per day, and not every day).
- Quitting smoking, which increases the risk of many cancers. Support for quitting is available at the Pasteur Institute in Lille.
Get tested:
- From the age of 50, take a simple and free screening test, available in pharmacies, at the doctor's office or online.
- When detected early, colorectal cancer is curable in 9 out of 10 cases.
What are the treatments for colorectal cancer?
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, and the patient's overall health. The main treatment options include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Targeted therapies
- Immunotherapy
A major challenge in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancers is the emergence of chemoresistance, a phenomenon where cancer cells become resistant to treatment. The mechanisms of chemoresistance include genetic and epigenetic changes, metabolic alterations, and the activation of signaling pathways that promote the survival of cancer cells.
Colorectal cancer research at the Pasteur Institute of Lille
Vanessa Dehennaut, University Professor and researcher within the team “Senescence, fibrosis and cancer“Directed by Corinne Abbadie (CANTHER) studies in particular the role of a metabolic pathway (O-GlcNAcylation) in the induction and escape from senescence of colon cancer cells in response to chemotherapy. This mechanism is implicated in resistance to anticancer treatments and disease recurrence.
Researcher contact :
University of Lille, CNRS UMR9020, Inserm U1277, Lille University Hospital
Pasteur Institute of Lille
Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Cancer Therapies (CANTHER) F-59000 Lille, France
FAQ
Yes, both women and men can be affected by colorectal cancer.
There is no specific age, but in both men and women, the risk of the disease begins to increase from age 50. The median age at diagnosis is 71 years for men and 72 years for women.
Life expectancy with colorectal cancer depends primarily on the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the response to treatment, and the patient's overall health. This is why it is important to undergo diagnosis (screening kit).
In 15% of cases, colorectal cancer occurs in the context of a family history of the disease. The risk is particularly high when one or more first-degree relatives (father, mother, brother, or sister) have been affected by this disease, especially before the age of 50. Furthermore, 5% of colorectal cancers are directly linked to an identified genetic mutation.
