An insight into preventing colorectal cancer
Acancer of the colon or rectum is located at the lower end of the digestive tract. Early cases can be benign as noncancerous polyps. These have no symptoms but can be detected by screening, so it is recommended that those who are at a high risk or are over the age of 50, undergo screening. A malignant cancer can spread to other parts and damage them.
SYMPTOMS OF COLORECTAL CANCER INCLUDE
Changes in bowel habits Diarrhoea or constipation Blood in faeces that makes stools look black Bright red blood coming from the rectum
Pain and bloating in the abdomen A feeling of fullness in the abdomen even after not eating for a while Fatigue or tiredness Unexplained weight issues Unexplained iron deficiency in men and in women, after menopause.
Most of these symptoms may also indicate other possible conditions. It is important to see a doctor if symptoms persist for four weeks or more.
POSSIBLE RISK FACTORS INCLUDE
Old age
A diet that is high in animal protein, saturated fats, and calories
A diet that is low in fibre High alcohol consumption A family history of colorectal cancer Having ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel disease (IBD) Obesity
Smoking
Lack of physical activity The presence of polyps in the colon or rectum, as these may eventually become cancerous
PREVENTION
There are several lifestyle measures that you can adopt to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer: Regular screenings Taking a nutritious diet Exercise, since being overweight/ obese raises the risk of many cancers, including colorectal cancer
Treatment for colon cancer can be surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. The order in which one should undergo these treatments, depends on the stage of cancer at initial diagnosis. In today’s scenario, we have came a long way with the help of advanced molecular testing so that we can offer immunotherapy either alone or in combination with chemotherapy to hit the target of abnormal pathway of cancer growth (hence called targeted therapy).
This article is by Dr Deni Gupta, senior consultant, medical and hemato-oncology, Dharmshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi.