Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is becoming increasingly common in men and in some women in the present generation. Many people who are above the age of 40 are facing the risk of colon cancer. Most cases of colon cancer are attributed to either lifestyle disorders and habits or to genetic factors.
Colon cancer is more prominent in men than women; however, older women are still at risk of colon cancer. More than 60% of cases worldwide are men in their 40’s and 50’s. The cancer hospital in Mumbai is known for its success in treating most types of cancer, including Colorectal Cancer which is becoming increasingly prominent in India.
Many surgeons and famous oncologists are practicing at the cancer treatment hospital in Mumbai and are adept at diagnosing and treating colorectal cancers, among other types of cancers in men and women.
Contents in the Article
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is caused when the cells in either the colon or the rectum have undergone an unknown mutation in the Genetic Material (DNA), which causes them to divide uncontrollably. This causes the cells to form lumps or tumors, which can block the colon or rectum or create an obstruction for the passage of stool during bowel movements.
They begin as small polyps, which may go unnoticed for several months until the symptoms manifest and the patient can recognize them. Because of this reason, many people are unable to diagnose this fatal disease on time and fall prey to it.
Colorectal cancer can start in the colon, rectum, or both. It may also start anywhere in the large intestine and then spread to the colon or rectum. It is termed colon cancer when the cancer is present only in the colon, and it is called rectal cancer if the cancer is only limited to the rectum. In most cases, the cancer is spread between the two parts and is therefore referred to as colorectal cancer.
Cancer starts out with small symptoms which patients who are at high risk should always watch out for. High-risk colorectal patients are those who have the following conditions:
- High body weight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High cholesterol, blood sugar, and pressure
- Family History of cancer
- Men who are above the age of 40
The patients who fulfill more than 2 criteria in this category must watch out for symptoms such as:
- Bleeding during Bowel Movement
- Lower abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Sudden weight loss
- Loss of Appetite
- Changes in the pattern of bowel movement ranging from diarrhea and constipation
- Changes in the consistency of stool
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Treatment for Colorectal Cancer
Doctors suggest those who are at risk of Colorectal cancer must evaluate themselves every year or two using colonoscopy to identify the growth of small polyps which have no symptoms or signs. These small polyps have the tendency to become cancerous in the future.
When a patient is diagnosed with cancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, they undergo one or more of the following treatments at the Cancer Hospital in Mumbai:
- Surgery to remove such polyps or tumors
- Radiation therapy that is targeted at the area pre, during or post-operation
- Chemotherapy to remove the cancerous cells in the intestine
- Immunotherapy in improving the immunity to fight the cancer
These are some of the treatment therapy to treat colorectal cancer.