FAQs

There are 3 common types of stomas: Ileostomy – stoma created at small intestine (ileum) Colostomy – stoma created at large intestine (colon) Urostomy – stoma created to divert urine after bladder removal

A stoma is an opening on the abdomen that can be connected to either your digestive or urinary system to allow waste (urine or feces) to be diverted out of your body. It looks like a small, pinkish, circular piece of flesh that is sewn to your body (Bladder and Bowel Community).

Stage 4 colorectal cancer means the cancer has spread (metastasis) to other organs; commonly to                                             Liver and lungs

Major factors that increase the risk include age over 50, a family history of CRC or polyps, and lifestyle factors like a diet high in processed meats, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases also raise the risk.

The “Four Pillars” of colorectal cancer treatment generally refer to the main modalities used: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy (especially for rectal cancer), and Targeted Therapy/Immunotherapy.

Colorectal cancer is staged from I to IV, where Stage I and II is localized to the bowel, Stage III involves nearby lymph nodes, and Stage IV indicates the cancer has metastasized to distant organs.

Colorectal cancer typically progresses slowly, often taking around 5 to 10 years for small precancerous polyps to develop into invasive cancer, which is why screening is so effective. Once invasive, the rate of progression varies significantly by stage and biological subtype.

A critical symptom to report immediately is any change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks such as new-onset constipation, diarrhoea, or rectal bleeding or blood in the stool. These can be early signs of colorectal cancer.

the strongest risk factor are strong family history and inherited genetic syndrome like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) or Lynch Syndrome

Major factors that increase the risk include age over 50, a family history of CRC or polyps, and lifestyle factors like a diet high in processed meats, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases also raise the risk.