The symptoms include blood in stool, abdominal pain, and/or a change in bowel habits.
The symptoms include blood in stool, abdominal pain, and/or a change in bowel habits.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a tumour of the colon or rectum (large intestine). Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is the cancer that spreads to the liver and sometimes to the lungs, bones, or other organs. In India, colorectal cancer is among the top 10 cancers. It is more common in developed nations, although the number of cases has also been rising in developing countries such as India.
Around 25% of patients are diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer.
The symptoms include blood in stool, abdominal pain, otherwise unexplained iron deficiency anaemia, and/or a change in bowel habits. The less common symptoms include abdominal distention, and/or nausea and vomiting, which may be indicators of obstruction.
People above 50 years of age or those with a family history of colorectal cancer are at a greater risk. Those suffering from diseases such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis are also at risk.
Potentially modifiable behaviours such as physical inactivity, smoking or drinking, and long-term consumption of red meat or processed meats are thought to account for a substantial proportion of new-onset CRC.
The screening tests for detecting CRC are stool for occult blood, digital rectal examination, and colonoscopy.
The treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. In the last two decades, the treatment methods have evolved with personalized therapies.
The factors that determine the outcome of treatment are age, stage, co-morbidities, left v/s right colon, and certain genetic changes (like RAS mutation).
Let us create awareness about this deadly disease and keep in mind that colorectal cancer is preventable, beatable, and treatable.
#It’sNeverTooLate
This article has been written by Dr. Krishna Prasad, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Mangalore Institute of Oncology, Pumpwell Circle, Kankanady, Mangaluru.
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.
