Oncologist recommends genetic screening or screening by colonoscopy for early detection of the disease.
Oncologist recommends genetic screening or screening by colonoscopy for early detection of the disease.
Colorectal cancer, as the name suggests, arises from the colon or rectum, which are parts of our large intestine. It is the 3rd most common cancer in the world, occurring in more than 1,700,000 people every year.
India is generally considered a low-incidence area for colorectal cancer. Close to 60,000 new cases occur every year in India. But, still, it is within the top 10 types of cancer in both males and females. The incidence is also increasing every year.
Some risk factors are being overweight and not having enough physical activity, smoking, moderate to high alcohol usage, a diet high in red meat or processed meat, having strong family history or genetic syndrome, and having ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
While risk factors such as being overweight and smoking are modifiable, genetics is non-modifiable. Therefore, we offer genetic screening or screening by colonoscopy for early detection of the disease. For others, symptoms such as a recent change in bowel habits, bleeding in stools, unexplained weight loss or anemia, and persistent abdominal pain should be investigated without delay.
A colonoscopy with biopsy is required to establish the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, staging investigations such as CT/PET-CT scans are done. Treatment is usually decided in multidisciplinary discussions.
Colorectal cancer in stage I-II is usually curable with surgery and sometimes with added chemotherapy. However, in stage III, the disease is more advanced and there is higher risk of it coming back. So, chemotherapy is usually administered after surgery. In locally advanced rectal cancer, radiotherapy is also an important tool. In stage IV, unfortunately, the disease is not curable. But survival has improved in recent times with chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Immunotherapy has also shown promise in a subset of these patients. Support from family members and friends is essential for the patient to go through the treatment journey successfully.
This article has been written by Dr.Indranil Ghosh, MD(AIIMS), DM Medical Oncology(AIIMS), Consultant at Department of Medical Oncology of Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata.
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.
