COLORECTAL CANCER: FROM DIAGNOSIS TO TREATMENT, A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and fatal neoplasms in the world, with a high incidence in Western countries. Factors such as inadequate diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition contribute to the increase in cases. The main symptoms include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bleeding and weight loss. In the early stages, the disease can be asymptomatic, which makes early detection difficult. Screening is essential for reducing mortality. Early detection and appropriate treatment are key to improving prognosis. OBJECTIVE: to compile and critically analyze the research already carried out, to offer a comprehensive view of the advances in the diagnosis, clinical and surgical management and prognosis of colorectal cancer. METHODS: This is a literature review on cancecolorectal.  The research used the Virtual Health Library (VHL) as a data source and applied specific terms such as "colorectal cancer", "diagnosis" and "treatment", with language filters (Portuguese, English and Spanish) and publication period (2019-2024). A total of 22 studies were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Although it does not require ethical approval, the review follows good scientific practices.  DISCUSSIONS: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, usually originating from adenomatous polyps in the colon or rectum. Early diagnosis is essential to improve therapeutic results, and is carried out through screening tests, such as colonoscopy, fecal occult blood testing, and, more recently, fecal DNA testing. The treatment of CRC depends on the stage of the disease, with surgery being the main therapeutic modality in the early stages. For more advanced cases, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy are used, with the aim of prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Personalized treatment, based on the molecular profile of the tumor, has shown significant advances, providing more effective and less toxic therapies. Adherence to screening and equitable access to treatments are key to reducing mortality associated with the disease. CONCLUSION: CRC is one of the most common and fatal neoplasms in the world, with a high incidence in Western countries. Factors such as inadequate diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition contribute to the increase in cases. The main symptoms include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bleeding and weight loss. In the early stages, the disease can be asymptomatic, which makes early detection difficult. Screening is essential for reducing mortality. Early detection and appropriate treatment are key to improving prognosis.