COURSE X: Bowel Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a relatively common cancer in the modern world, so important for consideration. In this lesson we explore the phenomenon of cancer, from the mainstream perspective of categorisation of cell type, location, levels of differentiation, staging of growth, and associated genetic mutations. This helps decipher the significance of language often used in oncology, as well as offering insights into the pathophysiology. The relationship between relatively common benign gastrointestinal polyps and bowel cancer is considered. We then look at the approaches generally used to treat cancer; surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, their limitations and side effects. Attention is then turned to the causal drivers, from shifts in the microbiome to nitrites as food preservatives. With the importance of early diagnosis, we look at different possibilities for screening and their effectiveness. Finally a consideration of approaches, including some powerful medicinal plants that may offer some remedy for this imbalance.