March is seen as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (CRC) to make men and women aware that colorectal cancer can happen to both, and symptoms are often difficult to identify in the early stages. This makes it even more important for individuals to learn about prevention, management and treatment options.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer: Since the symptoms of RCC are difficult to identify, most cases tend to go undiagnosed and therefore require timely screening and diagnosis. Constipation, diarrhea, changes in stool color, blood in stools, bleeding from the rectum, excessive gas, abdominal cramps and abdominal pain may be some of the indicators.
Treatment option available: in recent times, new diagnoses and treatment options have emerged. With the personalized medicine approach moving away from the holistic, treatment is now focused on patient well-being and faster recovery with multimodal approaches such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. But what we must remember is that the treatment depends a lot on the particular situation, including the location of the cancer, its stage and other health issues.
The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy are two screening methods. When diagnosed at an early stage, the attending physician can remove the tumor completely during a colonoscopy. In an advanced stage of CRC, partial colectomy and ostomy are the preferred forms of surgery. Once the surgery is completed, it is followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy. Since colorectal cancer is found in older people, palliative care is also suggested as a treatment. When palliative care is used in conjunction with all other appropriate treatments, patients can feel better and live longer. Palliative care is offered along with curative or other treatments that the patient may be receiving. It focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms of a serious illness.
Colorectal cancer prevention: CCR is found in older adults; sixty and above. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the number of younger people. This is largely due to poor lifestyle, eating habits, obesity and less physical activity.
Do the screening: The most effective way to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer is to do the screening routinely, starting at age 45. Colorectal cancer begins as precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening helps to find the cancerous tumor in its early stages, so the disease can be better managed.
Stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake: Smoking can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Quitting smoking completely can be a challenge so you can join programs and groups that help you quit smoking.
Excessive use of alcohol can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Doctors advise drinking alcohol in moderation.
Eat a healthy diet: having a healthy diet – rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in red and processed meats – can help reduce your 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 the exercise program that’s right for you.
Maintain a healthy body weight: being overweight can increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Healthy eating and regular exercise 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