In the last two decades, the survival rates in stage IV/mCRC have almost doubled due to evolutions in treatment, says oncologist.
In the last two decades, the survival rates in stage IV/mCRC have almost doubled due to evolutions in treatment, says oncologist.
March is colorectal cancer awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the cancer that arises from the colon or rectum. It is the 3rd most common cancer in the world, occurring in more than 1,700,000 people. In India, the incidences of this deadly disease are rising due to the western form of lifestyle. Therefore, it is important spread awareness about colorectal cancer.
Around 25% of colorectal cancer patients are diagnosed with stage-IV or metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This is emotionally disturbing for the patients due to fear of short-term survival, treatments, and effects on the family.
In the last two decades, the survival rates in stage IV/mCRC have almost doubled due to evolutions in treatment.
In Stage IV/ mCRC, the cancer spreads from the large intestine to other parts of the body, such as liver and lung. Cancer in this stage can be treated with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, surgery or a combination of all.
The selection of targeted therapy is important, and it depends on the mutation status of the tumour cells.
According to guidelines, RAS testing is important in this stage to predict which treatment can offer maximum benefit to the patient based on the mutation status of the tumour. Anti-EGFRs (cetuximab) and anti-VEGFs (Bevacizumab) are two mainstay targeted therapy drugs in mCRC, based on mutation status.
In recent years, immunotherapy drugs have also shown benefit in a certain set of patients. Thus, development in personalized treatment methods, based on tumor markers, are much welcome.
As always, prevention is better than cure. The measures include maintaining a normal body weight, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol, limiting intake of red and processed meats, including more vegetables, fruits, and fibrous foods in the diet, and avoiding smoking.
Also, talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer. And, remember, it’s never too late to fight this deadly disease.
This article has been written by Dr. Muzammil Shaikh, Consultant Medical Oncologist, PD Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai.
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.
