Colon & Rectal Cancer

About 20 – 25% of colorectal cancers occur among people with a family history of the disease. People who have more than one first-degree relative (sibling or parent) with the disease are especially at high risk.

Lifestyle Factors:

Dietary Factors.

A diet high in red and processed meats increases the risk for colorectal cancer.

Diets high in fruits and vegetables appear to be associated with reduced risk.

Alcohol and Smoking. - increased risk for colorectal cancer.

Obesity - increased risk for colorectal cancer, especially for men.

Physical Inactivity. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Regular exercise may help reduce risk.

Medical Conditions That Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk:

Adenomatous Polyps. - increased risk

Inflammatory Bowel Disease. - include Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, long-term inflammation caused by these chronic disorders can increase the risk for colorectal cancer.

Preventive Factors:

Exercising regularly

Eating a healthy diet low in meat and high in fruits and vegetables

Do not smoke, and do not drink alcohol

Regular colorectal cancer screenings

Symptoms:

Abdominal discomfort such as gas, bloating, and cramps

Rectal bleeding or blood in stool

Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count)

Weakness and fatigue Changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation, or change in consistency of stools

Feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after a bowel movement

Diagnosis and Screening:

Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or

Colonoscopy every 10 years, or

Double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) every 5 years, or

CT colongraphy (CTC), also called virtual colonoscopy, every 5 years

Stool tests must be repeated at regular intervals and a colonoscopy must be performed if stool test results are abnormal.

Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer:

Biopsy During a colonoscopy, a tissue sample removed.

Blood Tests To evaluate the red blood cell count and check for anemia.

Tumor markers include carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19-9.

Imaging Tests To detect the presence of cancer or find out how far the cancer has spread. These tests include ultrasound, chest x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and computed tomography (CT) scan.

Treatment:

Surgery is used for early-stage colorectal cancer. Usually, the tumor is removed along with part of the colon and nearby lymph nodes.

Chemotherapy may be given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. It may also be given along with radiation before surgery to reduce tumor size.

Radiation therapy is commonly used to treat locally advanced cancer, combined with chemotherapy.

Prognosis:

Follow-Up Treatment:

Surgery:

The most curable of cancers when it is caught in its early stages. The 5-year survival rate for colon cancer diagnosed and treated at stage I is 93%. The rates fall to 72 – 85% for stage II, 44 – 83% for stage II, and 8% for stage IV.

Colectomy

Colectomy involves removing the cancerous part of the colon and nearby lymph nodes.

The Surgical Approach.

Open Surgery: Taking wide incision on the abdomen.

Laparoscopy: Taking small incisions on the abdomen and using laparoscope is used for early cancers.

Colostomy

The procedure generally involves creating a stoma, through the abdominal wall that is connected to the colon. The feces passthrough this passage and are eliminated.

Permanent colostomies are more common when the cancerous regions are within 2 - 3 centimeters of the anus.

Surgical Treatments for Rectal Cancer:

Local Excision or Polypectomy for Early Stages.

Radical Resection. In this lower part of rectum along with surrounding structures, including the sphincter muscles that control bowel movements, must often be removed.

Radiation:-

Radiation therapy uses x-rays to kill cancer cells that might remain after an operation or to shrink large tumors before an operation so that they can be removed surgically.

When to Contact us

If you have:

Black, tar-like stools

Blood during a bowel movement

Change in bowel habits

Diagnosis

Pelvic examination by oncosurgeon.

Blood investigations to look for anemia.

Ultrasound of abdomen.

Prevention

Low-fat and high-fiber diets may reduce your risk of colon cancer.

send a message

Send Us A Message Anytime.

+91 92 25306774

+91 99 21395600

Required Login

Please Login for Submit Form.

Success

Thank you.

This field is required

To become a center of excellence in the field of cancer, Laparoscopy, Gastroenterology and Gynaecology in India which is recognized globally by giving best medical facilities with compassionate care at very affordable price

Colon & Rectal Cancer