Due to a large number of effective therapies, colorectal cancer is thought of as a solvable problem by the oncology community.
Due to a large number of effective therapies, colorectal cancer is thought of as a solvable problem by the oncology community.
Colorectal cancer is an emerging problem in India and is among the five most common cancers diagnosed in the country.
Although common in people beyond the ages of 50, more and more young patients are being diagnosed with this disease, possibly due to changing lifestyles and food habits. Being a disease of the developed world, a large number of trials and studies have been devoted to colorectal cancer over the last few decades across major cancer centres in Europe and North America.
As a result, a large number of options exist in the management of every stage of colorectal cancer. Even for very advanced stages of colorectal cancer, multiple treatment options far outstrip the options available for most other cancers.
In this context, colorectal cancers are among the few malignancies where surgery is sometimes feasible and beneficial even in stage 4. Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) and RFA are also useful options for local treatment beyond surgery for a subset of stage-4 colorectal cancers.
Chemotherapy has improved with time. And, today, combinations of oral and injectable chemotherapy treatments are efficacious and among the least toxic regimens available for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Targeted therapies have offered an additional option for advanced stages of colorectal cancer and along with immunotherapy, represent the newest horizon in treatment of cancer in general and stage-4 colorectal cancers in particular.
Due to the large number of effective therapies, colorectal cancer is thought of as a solvable problem by the oncology community. Curing cancer, especially in stage 4, is a dream for every patient and his/her oncologist, and this is one cancer which gives them an opportunity to realise this dream. It makes us feel that we can win the war against cancer. It makes us believe that it’s never too late.
This article has been written by Dr. Amitabh Ray, MBBS MD DNB ECMO Consultant Oncologist, HCG EKO Cancer Center, 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.
