Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month 1st to 30th March 2019

Colon cancer

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), which is the final part of the digestive tract. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps can become colon cancers.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

•             A change in the bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of stool, that lasts longer than four weeks

•             Rectal bleeding or blood in stool

•             Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain

•             A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely

•             Weakness or fatigue

•             Unexplained weight loss

When to see a doctor

If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or an ongoing change in bowel habits, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.

Association between diet and increased colon cancer risk

Studies of large groups of people have shown an association between a typical Western diet and an increased risk of colon cancer. A typical Western diet is high in fat and low in fiber.

Prevention

Get screened for colon cancer

People with an average risk of colon cancer can consider screening beginning at age 50. But people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner.

Make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk

You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making changes in your everyday life. Take steps to:

•             Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get an array of vitamins and nutrients.

•             Stop alcohol

•             Stop smoking

•             Exercise most days of the week. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you've been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes.

•             Maintain a healthy weight. If you are at a healthy weight, work to maintain your weight by combining a healthy diet with daily exercise. Aim to lose weight slowly by increasing the amount of exercise you get and reducing the number of calories you eat.

Diagnosis

Colonoscopy

If your signs and symptoms indicate that you could have colon cancer, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy, that involves using a scope to examine the inside of your colon. Colonoscopy uses a long, flexible and slender tube attached to a video camera and monitor to view your entire colon and rectum. If any suspicious areas are found, your doctor can pass surgical tools through the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis and remove polyps.

Treatment

The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend largely on the stage of your cancer. The three primary treatment options are :

•             Surgery

•             Chemotherapy

•             Radiation

For Appointment : Dr. S. Abeeb Raja, MBBS, MS (Gen. Surgery) FMAS, FIAGES, Sr. Consultant General & Laparoscopic Surgeon, KIMS SAVEERA Hospital