Introduction
Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects the colon and rectum of the small intestine. Globally, 1-2 million individuals are diagnosed with CRC each year. It is the third most common cancer among men (~10.0% of all cancer cases) and second most common cancer among women (~9.4% of all cancer cases). Developed countries account for 60% of all CRC cases. It is the fourth most common cause of death due to cancer, accounting for 8% of the same. In India, colon and rectal cancers rank 8th and 9th respectively among men. For women, colon cancer ranks 9th and rectal cancer does not figure in the top 10 cancers.Sammparada, the best cancer hospital in Bangalore ,are specialized in screening, diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer in a holistic manner.
Let’s examine the typical signs and symptoms of colorectal cancers: One or more of the following symptoms are the warning signals:
- alteration in bowel habits such as loose/restricted stools, diarrhoea or constipation
- stomach pain, cramping, bloating or gas; blood in the stool, which can cause faeces to appear dark brown or black; bright red bleeding from the rectum
- persistent impulses to defecate despite having passed the stools,
- iron deficiency anemia; exhaustion; unexplained weight loss; irritable bowel syndrome; and weakness.
What causes colorectal cancer?
When cells in the colon or rectum experience DNA alterations that may impair their ability to regulate division and growth , colorectal cancer ensues. These mutant cells frequently perish or are attacked by the host’s immune system. However, a tumor in the colon or rectum can develop when certain altered cells get past the immune system and continue to grow unchecked. Additionally, those who have a family history of CRC or certain hereditary cancer syndromes are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
Risk factors for CRC:
Most instances of CRC are sporadic, however an increase in risk occurs due to genetic factors. The risk factors are thus divided into genetic and environmental/lifestyle-related factors: Among the genetic factors are Familial adenomatous polyposis, Lynch syndrome and their variants. Environmental factors include being elderly men, obesity, physical inactivity, consumption of fresh red meat and processed meat, smoking and/or alcohol consumption, and ulcerative colitis etc. Screening tests available for detecting colorectal cancer
Screening test is performed on beneficiaries who do not present any symptoms of CRC. Screening test is performed by assessing an individual’s risk depending on his risk factors, with relatives of patients with CRC considered as high risk. Incidentally during the course of such a test, the Physician might detect blood in the stools or polyps in the colon. This helps in detecting the cancerours lesion at an early stage. Such down-stage cancers are amenable to effective treatment and effective recovery.
. If you are looking for the best cancer care hospital, you can visit Sammprada onco+wellness Hospital.. Options for screening include:
- i) Fecal blood test: beneficiary provides a sample placed in a kit, which is examined in the lab, ii) Colonoscopy: a scope views the interior aspects of the colon and rectum