March is seen as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (CRC) to raise awareness among men and women that colorectal cancer can happen to both, and often the symptoms are difficult to identify in the early stages. . This makes it much more important for people to know the options for prevention, management and treatment.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms: Because CRC symptoms are difficult to identify, most cases tend not to be diagnosed and therefore this requires timely diagnosis and screening. Constipation, diarrhea, changes in the color of the stool, blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, excessive gas, abdominal cramps, and abdominal pain may be some of the indicators.
Treatment option available: In recent times, there are new diagnostic and treatment options. With the personalized medicine approach moving away from the holistic, treatment now focuses on patient well-being and faster recovery with multimodal approaches such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. But what needs to be remembered is that treatment depends largely on the particular situation, including the location of the cancer, its stage, and other health problems.
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy are two screening methods. When diagnosed in the early stages, the treating physician can remove the tumor completely during a colonoscopy. In advanced CRC, partial collectectomy and ostomy are preferred forms of surgery that. Once the surgery is over, it is followed by chemotherapy, radiation, targeted pharmacological therapy and immunotherapy. Because colorectal cancer is detected in the elderly, palliative care is also suggested as a treatment. When palliative care is used in conjunction with other appropriate treatments, patients can feel better and live longer. Palliative care is offered along with curative or other treatments that the patient may receive. It focuses on providing pain relief and other symptoms of a serious illness.
Colorectal cancer prevention: CRC is found in older adults; sixty years and over. However, in recent years there has been an increase in younger people. This is mainly due to poor lifestyle, eating habits, obesity and minor physical activities.
Try an exam: The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to follow it routinely from the age of 45. Screening helps to find the cancer tumor in its initial stage and in this way the disease can be better controlled.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake: Smoking can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Quitting smoking completely can be a challenge, so it can be added to programs and groups that help you quit.
Intense alcohol consumption may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Doctors advise drinking alcohol only in moderation.
Eating a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet, rich in whole fruits, vegetables and grains and low in red and processed meats, can help reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. A high intake of red and processed meats has been shown to increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Exercise regularly: An active lifestyle has been linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program that is right for you.
Maintaining a healthy body weight: Being overweight can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Eating healthy and exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy body weight.
Written by Dr. Sandeep Batra, Medical Oncologist, Senior Consultant, MBBS, MD, DNB at Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi