Colon Cancer
Infamously one of the most common forms of cancer in the world, colon cancer is a common form of cancer that forms in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. It occurs when the colon, also called the large intestine, starts developing cancerous cells that grow uncontrollably.
As one of the most common cancers worldwide, accounting for nearly 10% of cancer diagnosis, it can morph into a dangerous and deadly form, it is also easily preventable if it’s detected early.
AT RPS Hospitals, we provide advanced and comprehensive care for colon cancer. In this blog, we will dive deep into the various aspects of colon cancer and discuss the multitude of colon cancer treatments available in India.
Main Causes and Risk Factors of Colon Cancer:
Colon cancer develops when cells in the colon continue to grow uncontrollably. There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer. While this doesn’t necessarily mean one can easily develop colon cancer if they have these symptoms, studies have proven a direct correlation between these symptoms and the potential risk of colon cancer.
- Increased Age
- Unhealthy Diet
- Family History
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Lifestyle Factors like smoking and drinking
Symptoms of Colon Cancer:
Unlike other cancer types, early stages of colon cancer might not present noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is crucial to detecting early symptoms of colon cancer.
When noticeable symptoms do occur, they may appear as:
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation)
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Recurrent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, or pain)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- A feeling that your bowel is not empty completely
- Shortness of breath
- Bloated Stomach.
Screening and Diagnosis
Regular screening for colon cancer can detect precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer. Common screening methods include:
- Colonoscopy: The most effective method, allowing for the removal of polyps during the procedure.In this procedure,a long and flexible tube called the colonoscope which examines the inside of your colon.
- Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): This test is used to detect hidden blood in the stool, and it’s by examining samples of one’s stool blood collected and dried over days.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Similar to colonoscopy, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is a short where the rectum and sigmoid colon is thoroughly examined.
Diagnosis is confirmed through a biopsy during a colonoscopy, followed by imaging tests to determine the cancer’s stage. These can include tests like CT Scan and PET- CT.
Treatment for Colon Cancer:
Most treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer. Surgery is usually the commonly used form of colon cancer, though other options are also recommended depending on the stage and progression rate of cancer.
Surgery
There are many forms of surgery that are used to treat colon cancer. These include:
- Polypectomy: This surgery is used to remove cancerous polyps at the early stage of cancer.
- Partial colectomy: This surgery is also called colon resection surgery. In this surgery, surgeons remove the section of your colon that contains a tumour and some surrounding healthy tissues. They’ll then reconnect healthy colon sections in a procedure called anastomosis.
- Surgical resection with colostomy: Like a colectomy, surgeons will remove the section of your colon that contains a tumour. In this surgery, however, they can’t connect healthy colon sections. Instead, they do a colostomy. In a colostomy, your bowel is moved to an opening in your abdominal wall and your poop is collected in a bag. The bag can be collected and disposed of every 1-3 days and replaced 2-3 days.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure uses heat to destroy cancer cells through the use of radiofrequency. This is also a treatment that is used in the early stages of colon cancer.
Chemotherapy
This form of treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells, and it is typically used for advanced cancer stages or after surgery. It can be done through a series of appointments, which periodically continues until your cancer cell is completely diminished.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is often used in rectal and colon cancer to shrink tumours before surgery. This treatment uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells, most notably X-Rays.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
These are newer treatments that target specific cancer cell mechanisms or boost the immune system to fight cancer.
Prevention of Colon Cancer:
Proper preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer. To catch the early signs of colon cancer, please follow these preventive measures: Early detection greatly improves survival rates, with localised colon cancer having a five-year survival rate of over 90%.
Regular Screening : Regular screening is highly recommended, especially for individuals over 50 or with a family history.
Healthy Diet: Healthy Diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces risk of colon cancer.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Avoid smoking and limit your intake as both are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Colon Cancer Treatment in India:
India is shaping up to be one of the leading healthcare destinations in the world. As one of the leading destinations for oncology, cancer treatment in India is advanced and affordable. Typically, colon cancer treatment costs around INR 5,00,000 to INR 10,00,000.
RPS Hospitals at the forefront of cancer treatment in India, with decades of experience under our belt, we provide detailed and comprehensive care to cancer patients who seek our care.
Please reach out to us if you have any health concerns related to colon cancer.