The number of CRC-related deaths is estimated to be approximately 6,08,000 worldwide, accounting for 8% of all cancer deaths.
The number of CRC-related deaths is estimated to be approximately 6,08,000 worldwide, accounting for 8% of all cancer deaths.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a formidable health problem worldwide. It is the third most common cancer in men (6,63,000 cases, 10.0% of all cancer cases) and the second most in women (5,71,000 cases, 9.4% of all cancer cases).
Almost 60% of cases are encountered in developed countries. The number of CRC-related deaths is estimated to be approximately 6,08,000 worldwide, accounting for 8% of all cancer deaths and making CRC the fourth most common cause of death due to cancer. In India, the annual incidence rates (AARs) for colon cancer and rectal cancer in men are 4.4 and 4.1 per 1,00,000, respectively. The AAR for colon cancer in women is 3.9 per 1,00,000. Colon cancer ranks 8thand rectal cancer ranks 9thamong men. For women, rectal cancer does not figure in the top 10 cancers, whereas colon cancer ranks 9th.
Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in the large intestine.
Stage I cancers have a survival rate of 80-95%. Stage II tumors have survival rates ranging from 55 to 80%. A stage III colon cancer has about a 40% chance of cure and a patient with a stage IV tumor has only a 10% chance of cure.
Chemotherapy is used after surgery in stages II, III, and IV, as the same has been shown to increase survival rates.
Carcinoembryonic antigen or CEA is a protein which can be measured in the blood. In many colon cancers, the CEA level is elevated. Nearly 50% of patients with stage II and III cancers have elevated CEA levels. With a curative resection of the cancer, the CEA level is normalized in one to four months.
Colon cancer is curable in the early stages, especially if it is diagnosed in a precancerous condition such as a polyp.
Although surgery and chemotherapy have improved cure rates for colon cancer, it should be the goal of physicians and patients to diagnose colon lesions before they become malignant. Therefore, yearly physical examinations, checking the stool for occult blood, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are the best tools for preventing colon cancer.
This article has been written by Dr. Susanta Kumar Paikaray, MBBS, MD Pediatrics (PGI, Chandigarh), DM, Medical Oncology, AIIMS, New Delhi.
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.
