Colorectal Cancer: Know About Early Detection, Prevention And Diets For Reducing The Risk

— Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Director and Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Hospital, Bangalore

The number of patients detected with Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is rising in India. Recently published news states that by 2030, the incidence of colorectal is likely to increase by nearly 60% to approximately 2.2 million new cases, while the death toll could easily reach up to 1.1. million.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of India’s leading surgeon’s states said, ‘ Colorectal cancer is curable if it is detected early. The need of the hour is to spread awareness on adopting the right type of diets that reduces its occurrence and detecting it early.’

Colorectal Cancer includes colon cancer and rectal cancer which are parts of the large intestine. It begins with a polyp or a tumor growing in the rectum or in the lining of the colon. If the tumor is not removed in time and allowed to grow and spreads to other areas of the body. Once cancer spreads, the treatment becomes even more difficult.

Though colorectal cancer occurs most commonly in people older than 50 years of age, it can occur in physically fit, active and healthy youngsters. Hence, it would not be wrong to start the screening age at 45 years which presently is 50 years and above. Also, available are a wide spectrum of screening procedures such as stool-based tests, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and imaging tests that deliver accurate results.  Early screening and detection of polyps which can grow into cancer and its treatment, preferably removal halt cancer from starting to a great extent.

A person suffering from colorectal cancer will have multiple complaints such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, changes in stool color and shape, and so on. Hence, it is advisable to seek a proper consultation with a doctor.

Screening for colorectal cancer becomes inevitable if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, consumption of red meat, smoking, moderate to heavy alcohol consumption, low intake of fiber-rich foods, calcium, fruits, and vegetables, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr. Nayak further states, ‘There is no doubt that colorectal cancer is a traumatic disease and difficult to treat for people across all age groups. The trauma is less when we perform the surgery by laparoscopy or robotically. Along with early detection, eating healthy and exercising regularly play a much greater role in keeping cancers at bay. As a treating oncologist, I am motivated to create and spread awareness in adopting a healthy lifestyle and early detection to get the best results when cancer occurs.’

He insists that healthy and proper diet intake is the key to keep one free from cancer. It is time people pay extra attention to what they eat in order to keep their colon health and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

The preventive measures are very much feasible and can be done by each and every member of society. It is the preparedness and mindset to switch over to healthy living and screening that matters rather than waiting for the disease to strike.

 

 

 

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