Expert emphasizes the need for more screening programs among high-risk groups.
Expert emphasizes the need for more screening programs among high-risk groups.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal disease. Globally, CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females, with 1.8 million new cases and almost 8,61,000 deaths in 2018, according to the World Health Organization GLOBOCON data. Rates are substantially higher in males than in females.
Several specific genetic disorders like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, and Lynch syndrome are associated with a very high risk of developing colon cancer.
Family history is also an important risk factor even outside of the syndromes with a defined genetic predisposition. Low socio-economic status is also associated with an increased risk for the development of CRC. Potentially modifiable behaviors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, alcohol, smoking, long-term consumption of red or processed meat, and obesity are thought to account for a substantial proportion of new-onset CRC.
Adult survivors of childhood malignancy who received abdominal radiation are at a significantly increased risk of subsequent gastrointestinal cancer. Patients with cystic fibrosis have an elevated risk of CRC.
A large number of factors have been reported to be associated with a decreased risk of CRC. These include regular physical activity, a diet high in fruits and vegetables, fiber, folic acid, Vit B6, Vit D, calcium, dairy products, magnesium, and fish. Compared to non-vegetarian dietary patterns, vegetarian patterns have also been associated with a significantly reduced risk of CRC.
Typical symptoms of CRC include blood in stool, abdominal pain, otherwise unexplained iron deficiency anemia, and/or a change in bowel habits. Less common symptoms include abdominal distention, and/or nausea and vomiting, which may be indicators of obstruction.
Once CRC is suspected, the next test can be a colonoscopy, barium enema, or computed tomography colonography. However, biopsy is required to establish the diagnosis, and this is usually accomplished by colonoscopy.
In India, the prevalence of CRC is predicted to rise approximately by 80% in 2035, with 114,986 new cases and 87,502 deaths. We should encourage more formal screening programs among people who are at a higher risk, such as those having a family history of CRC or suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.
We should also educate individuals about the risk factors. A multidisciplinary approach will help tackle the rising burden of CRC.
This article has been authored by Dr. Kumardeep Dutta Choudhury, Consultant, Dept Of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Sector V, Rohini.
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.
