Review: Associated factors with colorectal cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequent neoplasm in the digestive tract; it constitutes 9 of 10% of all cancer cases in the world. This type of cancer is considered multicausal since it is associated with intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Among the internal factors, there are genetic, hormonal mutations, and immunological conditions. On the other hand, the external factors are composed of unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking habits, and environmental exposure to carcinogens. The clinical symptoms are not very specific; that is why the diagnosis is focused on risk groups related to age and proven family medical history.

Objective: To identify genetic factors and lifestyle factors related to the development of Colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methodology: A literature search was carried out in databases such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Redalyc, Scielo, Proquest, in a range of time between 2004 and 2019. The keywords: colorectal cancer, risk factors, epidemiology, mortality, mutation, and incidence were used as helpers for the search.

Results: Predisposing genetic factors were observed in about 20% to 25% of people with CRC associated primarily with the APC gene mutation. In terms of sporadic cancer, the results showed that 80% of the cases were related to the uncontrolled consumption of red meat, sausages, and coffee. Additionally, smoking and alcoholic behaviors, stress, and comorbidities, such as obesity and diabetes, were also the cause of the development of this issue.

Conclusion: CRC could be caused by internal and external factors. Based on this, the people with a genetic predisposition to this issue should monitor themselves frequently and implement a healthy lifestyle that reduces the probability of suffering from this type of cancer