Cancer colorectal (Colon and Rectum) : A malignant tumor

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon, specifically the large intestine or rectum. This malignant tumor beyond the harmful effects it can have on the patient's health, his sex life is not spared. In this article, the veil is lifted on the factors likely to increase the risk of colorectal cancer, common symptoms, then the sexual disorders that it can cause and, enfin quelques moyens de prévention.

In the world, Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer according to the World Health Organization. (WHO). It comes second in terms of cancer deaths. In 2020, it is estimated that more than 1,9% million cases of colorectal cancer and more than 930 000 that of death. Incidence and mortality rate vary considerably from country to country. For example, the highest incidence is recorded in Europe, in Australia and New Zealand and the highest mortality rate is recorded in Eastern Europe. Indeed, the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age and most cases occur after 50 years. Other risk factors include family history., personal history and lifestyle, i.e. a diet rich in processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables, sedentary behaviors, le tabagisme.

Often asymptomatic in the early stages, common symptoms are : diarrhea, the constipation, the presence of blood in the stools, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and iron deficiency. So, intimate and sexual life with cancer can be turned upside down. Patients may suffer from erectile and ejaculation disorders (at men's) and vaginal dryness and dyspareunia (in women).

Screen instead

Colorectal cancer most often follows a benign tumor that progresses slowly and eventually becomes cancerous.. The prognosis depends largely on the stage at diagnosis. Chances of cure are better if cancer is discovered at an early stage. Screening increases the chances of cure through detection and treatment of this cancer at an early stage.. It also helps prevent certain cancers by detecting precancerous lesions.. Fecal occult blood screening has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer mortality..

The first symptoms of colon cancer

Usually, according to the site radiotherapie-hartmann.f, colon cancer progresses silently, sometimes for years, before causing any symptoms. When symptoms appear, it is mainly abdominal pain, a change in intestinal transit and the presence of blood in the stools. Abdominal pain can be more or less intense, and very localized or, Conversely, diffuses. They can sometimes resemble intestinal cramps caused by bloating., and do not always encourage consultation. A change in intestinal transit can result in sudden and prolonged constipation or diarrhea.. An alternation between diarrhea and constipation may also be observed. The presence of blood in the stools, as for her, is sometimes imperceptible. Indeed, blood is not always bright red, but maybe black or brown, blending in with the color of the excrement. The patient with colon cancer may also experience a constant urge to have a bowel movement or unusual sensations when eliminating.. As cancer progresses, it can form a palpable mass in the abdomen. The patient's general health may deteriorate, and we sometimes observe weight loss, unexplained fatigue, anemia and/or episodes of fever.

Populations at risk

People with colonic pathology who require a scheduled endoscopic check, having a personal history of colorectal adenomas, having a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer before 65 years or at least two affected first-degree relatives are at higher risk of colorectal cancer. They should be offered a colonoscopy straight away from 45 years or 5 years before the age of diagnosis in the affected parent. Subjects with serious extraintestinal pathology (ethical reason) and those for whom screening is temporarily inappropriate (depression for example) should not take the screening test.

Therapeutic options

Several therapeutic options are possible in the treatment of colorectal cancer. This is radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery. During the treatment phase, it is possible that the partner of the sick person struggles to feel sexual desire but it is important to continue to express their desires naturally. For the couple, we must prioritize communication because it allows everyone to free themselves from the guilt of not having satisfactory sexual relations or of not wanting to. This also prevents the spouse from feeling rejected or misunderstood..

Sonia DJAKPA (Coll)