Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month,Dr Rajeev Bedi, Fortis Mohali

March 29, 2011 - PRLog -- COLORECTAL CANCER

On the occasion of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month here is a brief note on the rising epidemic in India:


What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. These cancers can also be referred to separately as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.

Colorectal Cancer, when discovered early, is highly treatable. Most Colorectal Cancer can develop first as Colorectal Polyps, which are growth inside the colon or rectum that may later become Cancerous.

Dr. Rajeev Bedi, Sr.Medical Oncologist with Fortis Hospital - Mohali says, ‘Early detection is vital – 80% of all cases Colorectal Cancer can be prevented with recommended Screening. Despite its high incidence, Colorectal Cancer is one of the most detectable and, if found early enough, most treatable forms of cancer’.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. Colorectal cancer is potentially a very serious condition and can be life-threatening. Colorectal cancer is the second most common tumor in men and women. Dr. Rajeev Bedi, urges people to take necessary precautions and talks abut the symptoms for colorectal cancer which includes:

•   Having diarrhea or constipation
•   Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
•   Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
•   Finding your stools are narrower than usual
•   Frequently having gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated
•   Losing weight with no known reason
•   Feeling very tired all the time
•   Having nausea or vomiting





Screening is necessary after 50 years

Dr. Bedi adds if you're 50 or older, getting a screening test for colorectal cancer which includes annual fecal occult blood tests (FOBT), periodic partial or full colon exams could save your life.
•   Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps in the colon or rectum. A polyp is a growth that shouldn't be there.
•   Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.
•   Screening tests can find polyps, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
•   Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early. When it is found early, the chance of being cured is good.
Professionals in the field have estimated that, with widespread adoption of screening practices, as many as 30,000 lives could be saved each year.
Treatment:
The primary treatment of colon cancer is to surgically remove part or all of the colon. Suggestive polyps, if few in number, may be removed during colonoscopy.
Chemotherapy after surgery can prolong survival for people whose cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation treatment after surgery does not help people with colon cancer, but it does prolong survival for people with rectal cancer.

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