Natural history of the colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer appears as a continuous process, starting with the normal cells and progressively growing towards malignancy. The aim of this review is to focus on the stages of that transformation and the means available for reducing the risk of this particular cancer. Although genetic factors have been identified, dietary pattern, the presence of inflammatory bowel disease and adenomas seem to play the most important role in the occurrence of colorectal cancer. The prevention of colorectal cancer should include changes in dietary habits, resection of adenomatous polyps as well as early detection of cancer. Studies testing these approaches are few and so far, none has proven effective in improving survival.