What You Need To Know About Colorectal Cancer 

Colorectal cancer, which includes both colon and rectal cancers, is one of the most common cancers globally. Knowing the risk factors, symptoms, stages and treatment options available is important to catch this cancer early when it is very much treatable. At Galaxy Care Hospital, the Best Cancer Hospital in Pune, we understand that the awareness about colorectal cancer is low. This blog is an attempt to make people aware of the challenges, risk factors, symptoms of colorectal cancer. Let’s begin with understand what it is!

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. These are parts of the large intestine. The colon and rectum play an important role in the digestive system by absorbing water from undigested food and storing waste matter until it is excreted from the body. Colorectal cancer often begins as small, non-cancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Over time some polyps can become cancer.

RISK FACTORS OF COLORECTAL CANCER

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include family history of colon cancer, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, lifestyle factors like unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Other risk factors are older age above 50 years and certain genetic conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome which make one prone to early onset of colon cancer. 

SYMPTOMS OF COLORECTAL CANCER

Early stage colorectal cancer usually does not cause noticeable symptoms. But as it progresses symptoms may include changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhoea, blood or mucus in stools, feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely, abdominal discomfort like cramps, gas or pain, weakness, fatigue and unexpected weight loss. These symptoms can be due to many other causes as well so it is important to see a doctor if they persist for more than a few days.

Colorectal cancer is staged from 0 to IV depending on how far it has spread from where it began in the colon or rectum to other parts of the body.

Stage 0: This is the earliest stage where abnormal cells are found only in the innermost lining of the colon or rectum. 

Stage I: Cancer has spread deeper into the inner colon/rectum wall but not to lymph nodes. 

Stage II: Cancer has spread through the colon/rectum wall but to less than 4 lymph nodes near it.

Stage III: Cancer has spread through the colon/rectum wall and to 4 or more lymph nodes.  

Stage III: Cancer may have spread to lymph nodes and directly invaded other nearby organs.

Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant organs like the liver or lungs.

Early detection via screening tests helps detect cancer at its earliest stages when treatment is very effective.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR COLORECTAL CANCER

Treatment options depend on the stage of cancer. Stage 0-I cancer is generally treated with surgery to remove the cancerous portion of the colon/rectum. Stage II-III cancer may require additional chemotherapy after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Stage IV colorectal cancer is generally not curable but can be managed with chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies and immunotherapy to control symptoms and prolong survival. 

Galaxy Care Hospital in Pune is one of the Best Cancer Hospitals in Pune offering highly effective treatment for colorectal cancer. We perform advanced minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopic and robotic surgeries that enable faster recovery compared to open surgeries. Our oncology department has experienced Cancer Specialists in Pune who work as a dedicated team for customised treatment. We also have the latest radiation therapy equipment and targeted drug therapies to treat colon cancer as per international guidelines and provide holistic cancer care.

In conclusion, colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early. Being aware of symptoms, risk factors and following screening guidelines are crucial to catch it at an earlier stage. Timely treatment at Galaxy Care Hospital in Pune can cure colorectal cancer and help patients to lead a healthy life. Feel free to book  an appointment and discuss colorectal cancer treatment options with us!