Expert blames alcoholism, smoking, red meat consumption, and obesity for rising incidence.
Expert blames alcoholism, smoking, red meat consumption, and obesity for rising incidence.
Globally, nearly 12 lakh new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are noted per year. The mortality rate from this cancer alone is estimated to be around 6 lakh.
The incidence of CRC is rapidly increasing in our country. Etiology of CRC-increased incidence is seen with high-calorie diets, alcoholism, smoking, red meat consumption, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and diabetes.
On the contrary, a diet high on antioxidants, vitamins, fresh fruits, and vegetables is associated with a reduced incidence of CRC. A familial predisposition/hereditary risk of developing CRC in a family member harboring the syndromic genetic mutation must be kept in mind.
So, it is also important to screen people for genetic mutations that cause CRC.
Please note that CRC doesn't happen overnight. Therefore, identifying the symptoms of the disease in the pre-invasive stage is important. These include altered bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, bloating in the abdomen, weight loss, blood loss through stool, and anorexia.
Some of the screening methods for colorectal cancer include fecal occult blood test, colono-sigmoidoscopy, and barium enema. The risk profiles of patients are decided by doctors.
For many patients, detection of CRC in the pre-invasive stage is not possible. However, if we can identify it in an early stage, then the burden of treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) is significantly improved. In some cases, the patients might not even need chemotherapy!
Unfortunately, we see many patients coming to us for treatment in the advanced/metastatic stage.
However, thanks to the recent advancements in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care, there is more hope for such patients.
This article has been written by Dr.Gautam Makadia, Shashwat Haemato-onco Associates, Rajkot.
This is, in part, due to enhanced screening measures, early diagnosis, and aggressive surgical techniques.
You can prevent CRC by being physically active, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limiting the intake of alcohol.
The number of CRC-related deaths is estimated to be approximately 6,08,000 worldwide, accounting for 8% of all cancer deaths.
The symptoms include blood in stool, abdominal pain, and/or a change in bowel habits.
With biomarker testing and personalized treatment methods, there is more hope for patients today, says oncologist.
In this form of cancer, the cells in the colon or rectum divide uncontrollably, producing a tumour.
A diet high in fibre and low in red and processed meat further helps in reducing the risk.
In the advanced stages, targeted therapy and immunotherapy significantly help in improving survival rates.
According to oncologist, fatigue or bleeding in the stool can be indicative of colorectal cancer.
Expert blames alcoholism, smoking, red meat consumption, and obesity for rising incidence.
In the last two decades, the survival rates in stage IV/mCRC have almost doubled due to evolutions in treatment, says oncologist.
Oncologist recommends early screening programs for those at a greater risk.
Regular exercise and consumption of fruits and vegetables help lower the risk of getting the disease.
An essential move in this stage is selecting the right drug for the right patient, says oncologist.
As per oncologist, these include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Due to a large number of effective therapies, colorectal cancer is thought of as a solvable problem by the oncology community.
Oncologist recommends genetic screening or screening by colonoscopy for early detection of the disease.
Changing lifestyles and associated dietary habits have resulted in more number of people being diagnosed with the disease at an earlier age.
As per international guidelines, people above 50 years of age should be screened through stool examination and colonoscopy.
Common signs include a change in bowel habits lasting for more than 4 weeks and persistent abdominal cramps.
The incidence of colon cancer rises with age, so anybody above 50 years of age should be screened for it, says oncologist.
Expert emphasizes the need for more screening programs among high-risk groups.
Talk to an oncologist about various screening tests so that the disease can be detected even before the symptoms develop.
Colorectal cancer—in which the cells in the colon or rectum become abnormal and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor—is the third most common cancer in the world.
Colorectal cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the country and is caused due to poor lifestyle habits such as drinking or smoking.
Colorectal cancer is one of the top five cancers in our country, and is prevalent among both males and females.
Lack of physical activity, smoking, and consumption of alcohol increase the chances of developing the disease, says leading oncologist.
Common risk factors include advancing age, positive family history, and consumption of tobacco or alcohol.
