March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and it is an important time to educate the public on colorectal cancer, one of the most preventable and curable cancers if detected early. Although it is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, advances in minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, have significantly improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a senior surgical oncologist at MACS Clinic, Bangalore, says,
“Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if it is caught early. With the evolution of laparoscopic and robotic surgery, we can offer patients safer surgery, faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes.”
So, what is colorectal cancer, and why early detection? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Colorectal (Colon) Cancer?
Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum, usually as a result of abnormal growths known as polyps. Although not all polyps become cancer, they may do so if not surgically or endoscopically removed. It takes approximately 10 years for a polyp to turn into cancer.
According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer is one of the five most common cancers in the world. However, with early detection and the application of new treatments like laparoscopic colorectal surgery, the survival rate of colon cancer has significantly increased.
Now, let us learn about the risk factors that lead to this disease.
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer, including:
Age – Most cases are in individuals over 50, though in young adults, cases are on the rise.
Family history – An individual or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer raises the risk.
Food habits – A high dietary intake of processed meat, red meat, and low fiber contributes to an increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer.
Lifestyle – Sedentary lifestyle, overweight or obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are risk factors.
Gastrointestinal illnesses – Individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, have an increased risk.
Identification of these risk factors is the beginning of prevention. But how to identify the symptoms? Let’s discuss.
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Colorectal cancer develops silently, and only in the advanced stages the symptoms become apparent. They include:
Bowel habit disturbances (constipation or diarrhea)
Blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum
Unintended weight loss
Persistent abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort
Weakness or fatigue
A sensation of incomplete bowel movement
As these symptoms may also be associated with other gastrointestinal disorders, prompt medical assessment is required.
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed? Let’s find out.
Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer
Early diagnosis is critical to improve survival rates. MACS Clinic uses the latest diagnostic methods, such as:
Colonoscopy – Ideal screening test, both to detect cancer and remove polyps. This is one of the best tools to screen for colon cancer. It is advisable to start at 45 year and repeat after 10 to 20 years.
Stool tests – Such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which detects hidden blood in stool samples.
Biopsy – A biopsy confirms the existence of cancer cells when abnormalities are found.
Now, let’s explore the treatment options.
Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on its severity and stage. At MACS Clinic, we specialize in complex and minimally invasive surgery, including:
Laparoscopic surgery – A keyhole surgery with smaller incision, reduced pain, and quicker recovery.
Robot-assisted surgery – A new technique that enhances precision, reduces complications, and ensures better outcomes.
Radiation therapy – Frequently employed in rectal cancer to shrink tumors prior to surgery.
Chemotherapy – Used in advanced stages to destroy and eliminate cancer cells.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy – New drugs that target specific cancer cell markers or enhance immune response.
Early diagnosis along with less invasive surgical procedures can significantly improve the survival rate for colon cancer.
Now, let’s see how to prevent colorectal cancer.
Preventing Colorectal Cancer
Prevention of colorectal cancer starts with good habits and regular screening. This is how you lower your risk:
Regular screening – Start screening for colon cancer at age 45 (earlier if at higher risk).
Healthy eating – Increase consumption of fiber-containing foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and lower consumption of red and processed meat.
Active lifestyle – Regularly be active so that you maintain healthy weight.
Steer clear of alcohol use and smoking – Both increase cancer risk and need to be avoided or reduced.
By doing this, you are being proactive about fighting colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a month when the public is encouraged to become aware of early detection and prevention. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if detected early, and a few simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Stage 1 colon cancer symptoms?
Stage 1 colon cancer is almost asymptomatic. Patients experience some alteration in bowel habit, some pain in the abdomen or a few drops of blood in the stool. Early detection is crucial by way of regular screening.
What is the survival rate of colon cancer?
The rate of survival from colon cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis. For early diagnosis (Stage 1), the rate of survival is more than 90% for five years. Survival decreases in later stages of diagnosis, hence early detection is necessary.
How often should I get screened for colorectal cancer?
Average-risk patients should start screening at the age of 45, with a colonoscopy every 10 years. Patients with increased risk based on family history or other factors may need screening done earlier or more frequently.
Can colorectal cancer be prevented?
Yes, usually colorectal cancer can be prevented by screening regularly, a healthy diet, exercise, and not smoking and consuming a lot of alcohol. Early removal of polyps significantly reduces the risk too.
Why does colon cancer occur in women?
Colon cancer is caused by the same factors in women as in men, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, and inflammatory bowel disease. Some research also suggests hormonal changes as a cause, though studies are still underway.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes only and not for promotional use.