Together we can beat colorectal cancer
With the fourth of February being celebrated as the World Cancer Day worldwide, knowing about its causes and treatment is of utmost importance. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, stands sixth in the most reported cancer issues in India.
CRC is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine) and mostly occurs at 60 years of age. However, the incidence of CRC is increasing among the youth as well, specifically in the age group of 20 to 40 years. In developing countries like India this is attributed to a modern diet; Vitamin (D, C, Folate) and mineral deficiencies, obesity, smoking, alcohol and lack of physical activity. Dietary factors that increase the risk of CRC cancer include a low fibre diet, excess consumption of red meat and processed meat.
While common signs and symptoms include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting and constant fatigue, long standing hemorrhoids and Anemia due to iron deficiency shouldn’t be ignored.
Tests for screening and early detection are faecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy and CT colonography. Different modalities used to treat colorectal cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
These can be used individually or in a combination depending on the stage of the cancer, performance status of the patient and grade of the tumour. In the era of precision medicine, the treatment is based on molecular testing which includes KRAS, NRAS and BRAF which further decides the prognosis and treatment modality for a better outcome of the disease and survival. And with this modernised era of precision medicine for the cancer patients, hope is just a test away.