As per international guidelines, people above 50 years of age should be screened through stool examination and colonoscopy.
As per international guidelines, people above 50 years of age should be screened through stool examination and colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer in the large intestine of the body. It is the third most common cancer in the world, and is more common in males, particularly those above 50 years of age. In India, however, the disease seems to affect even those in their 40s.
Ten percent of colorectal cancers are hereditary in nature. Risk factors include smoking, consumptions of alcohol or red meat, and lack of physical activity.
The symptoms appear of this disease generally appear in the advanced stages. These include changes in bowel habits, blood in stools, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. It is an important feature of this cancer that it evolves gradually in the cells, through a multistep process involving genetic mutations over the years. This leads to this disease being amenable to be detected at an early stage through screening.
As per international guidelines, people above 50 years of age should be screened for colorectal cancer through stool examination and colonoscopy. For those having a family history of colorectal cancer or colonic polyps, screening should be done early.
This cancer, if detected in the early stages, can be completely cured. Hence, efforts should be made for increasing formal screening programs among the age-appropriate population. Treatment procedures for this cancer have seen major advances over the years, with immunotherapy greatly helping in the prognosis of the disease.
This article has been written by Dr. Rajat Bajaj, MBBS, MD Medicine(MAMC), DNB Medical Oncology(RGCIRC), European certified medical oncologist, International Oncology Specialities Pvt Ltd Fortis, Noida.
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.
