Colorectal cancer is one of the most common tumours in both sexes and the second most diagnosed malignancy overall, with more than 11,000 new cases each year. Modern lifestyle, lack of exercise, low-fibre diet play a role in its development, mostly precancerous conditions, and colorectal polyps transform into invasive tumours. Genetic accumulations are known, where several members of the family develop colon tumours at a young age, e.g. Lynch syndrome, FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis).

Screening is recommended if there is a history of colorectal tumours in the family or if the age of the person is over 50 years. There are two methods for screening, laboratory fecal blood testing and endoscopic colonoscopy.

Small colorectal tumours may be indicated by bloody stools, changes in stool habits, bowel obstruction in advanced disease, increase in abdominal circumference due to the existence of free abdominal fluid, or jaundice may occur in liver disease.

In case of suspicion, a colonoscopy and abdominal CT scan are definitely recommended. One of the tumour markers for colorectal tumours is CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) or CA 19-9 (cancer antigen), neither of which are specific, but are often elevated in tumours of intestinal origin.

If the tumour has not metastasised, i.e. if it is only localised (a certain section of the colon, surrounding lymph nodes), the affected section is removed as part of a surgical treatment. The continuity of the intestine can be restored if the initial part of the colon is affected, and in case of tumours around the rectum an artificial opening, a surgical stoma is made. Sometimes a temporary stoma is made to allow the surgical scar to heal. Each operation is unique, so the exact outcome or final result depend on the spcific location of the disease and the patient’s individual circumstances.

For tumours originating in the rectum, a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is given before surgery to improve the chances of recovery, after which surgery takes place.

In the case of lymph node involvement, a safety chemotherapy, i.e. adjuvant chemotherapy, is given.

In metastatic disease, we can slow down the growth of the disease, extend the patient’s life and reduce complaints by systemic medication.

The most common features of colorectal tumours, which impair the quality of life, are: digestive disturbances may occur due to surgical treatment of the bowel; if only a section of the colon is removed, basically it does not cause any noticeable changes, these occur when a longer section or even the whole colon is removed. If a stoma is formed, the patient is taught how to deal with it, but this tends to limit mobility and social interactions considerably. Due to the changed body image, psychological support is recommended as the patient becomes accustomed to the new situation and is able to function with more confidence in everyday life. Because of the weakening of the abdominal wall a post-operative physiotherapy is also recommended. Clinical tests have also shown that regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of recurrence and metastasis, so this is definitely recommended.