Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon. The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps…
Overview
What is colorectal cancer?
Colon cancer is a growth of cells that begins in a part of the large intestine called the colon. The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine. It usually begins as small clumps of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Polyps generally aren't cancerous, but some can turn into colon cancers over time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How common is oral cancer?
- >70,000 new cases and 41,000 deaths
- Accounts for 5% of all cancer cases and cancer-related deaths in India as of 2022
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What causes colorectal cancer?
- Colorectal cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of the cells in and around your colon and rectum which cause these cells to multiply uncontrollably and form tumours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk factors
- Old age (>50 years)
- Personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer
- Affected by conditions which cause pain and swelling of the intestines (like inflammatory bowel disease)
- Habit of smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- Obesity
- A close family member affected by colorectal cancer
- Previous treatment with radiation therapy
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
- Abdominal pain
- Bloated stomach
- Blood on or in your stool
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Feeling like there’s still poop in your bowel even after you go to the bathroom
- Feeling tired or weak
- Unexplained weight loss
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diagnosis
- Blood tests
- Dental examination
- Taking a small sample of tissue from your mouth to test for oral cancer
- Imaging tests like MRI and CT
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the size and exact location of the cancer and whether it has spread to any other regions. Options include:
- Surgery to remove the polyp, cancer-affected part of the colon or parts of the colon with the nearby affected organs Surgeons often create an artificial method to remove waste from your body called ostomy
- Surgeons often create an artificial method to remove waste from your body called ostomy
- Chemotherapy (anti-cancer medicines)
- Radiotherapy (high-energy rays to kill cancer cells)
- Targeted therapy (medicine that attacks cancer cells specifically)
- Immunotherapy (helps the body fight cancer)
Supportive Care
Helps with
- Pain control
- Help with nutrition
- Living with an ostomy bag
- Digestive issues including diarrhoea and constipation
- Sexual issues
- Self-esteem and body image issues like scars or having a colostomy
Treatment goal
- Remove or destroy the cancer
- Prevent it from occurring again
- Reduce symptoms
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What are the side effects of treatment?
- Dehydration
- Skin rashes
- Diarrhoea
- Tiredness
- Inflammation of the digestive tract
- Anaemia
- Loss of appetite
Lifestyle & Prevention
Recommended diet
- Include lots of green, leafy vegetables
- Proteins like egg, fish, nuts, legumes, lentils
- Include lots of fibres like brown rice, seeds, fruits, whole grains
- Carbohydrates including beetroot and sweet potato
- Nut-based oils and olive oil
- Drink plenty of water
Exercise tips
15 mins/week of light to moderate physical activity like walking, breathing exercises and gentle stretching may help:
- Reduce fatigue
- Improve mood
- Maintain strength
- Improve recovery
Long-term care
- Get regular checkups
- Manage side effects
- Monitor oral health
Prevention
- Follow a proper diet
- Stay active
- Avoid smoking and minimise alcohol drinking
- Get a regular checkups
When to contact a doctor?
- Blood in stool
- Persistent change in bowel habits
- Severe abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Long-lasting tiredness
- Vomiting or bowel obstruction signs
Myths and Facts
Colorectal cancer is fatal.
Colorectal cancer may be curable when detected early. Over 90% of patients with localized colorectal cancer (confined to the colon or rectum) are alive five years after diagnosis.
Colorectal cancer strikes only older men
Colorectal cancer strikes both women and men.
Having a colon or rectal polyp means I have cancer and need surgery
A polyp may be a pre-cancerous lesion. If these polyps are detected early and removed before they can progress, colon cancer can be prevented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the recommended screening age?
45 is the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer.
Can young adults get colon cancer also?
Yes. Approx. 68 people under the age of 50 are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every day in the United States.
Does colon cancer always occur with visible symptoms?
Colon cancer starts as polyps and usually develops slowly for 10 to 15 years. Many people with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms at first, which is why screening is so important.
Speak to a cancer care specialist
Get an expert opinion and a personalised treatment plan at Sterling Hospitals.
