This cancer can be prevented by timely screening
and a change in lifestyle
New Delhi, 12
July 2017: Statistics indicate that colorectal cancer is the third
most common cancer across the world accounting for about 1.4 million new cases
and 6,94,000 deaths per year. Its incidence is also on the rise in India. About
one in three cases of colorectal cancers are found to be localized in the
rectum. According to the IMA, a high-fat and low-fibre diet increases the risk
of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal
cancer can take years to develop. What is initially a polyp, turns into cancer
over time. The tumor eventually invades through different layers of the bowel
wall and then to the lymph nodes nearby. If undetected, the cancer can
even spread to different parts of the body.
Speaking
about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian
Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI)
and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement,
said, "Colon cancer cases are being seen in the younger population as well
today. Sedentary lifestyles, desk jobs, and unhealthy eating patterns are all
major contributors. What is more is that due to low levels of awareness, about
40% to 50% of the cases come to light only after they have reached the
advanced stages. Most often, the symptoms appear only after the cancer has
begun to grow. Signs such as rectal bleeding, constipation, and diarrhea lasting
longer than one or two days can be mistaken as symptoms of other ailments. This
delays diagnosis as well. Prevention of this cancer is largely in the
hands of an individual. The original Indian meal was high in fibre and
therefore supported the digestive system. Western diet being more
preservative-laden and low on fibre causes not only colon cancer but a host of
other diseases."
While
some symptoms may seem common to other diseases, it is important to see a
doctor if they persist. Some such symptoms include diarrhea or constipation
since more than two weeks, blood or mucous in stool, pencil stools or a feeling
of being unable to empty your bowels completely, anemia, abdominal swelling or
persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, extreme
tiredness, or a dizzy feeling, flatulence, and vomiting.
Adding
further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "This is one form of cancer where only
awareness can help. Timely screening can help in detection of precancerous
polyp which then can be removed before they turn into cancerous cells. Cancers
confined within the wall of the colon can be cured with the help of surgery.
With modern technology, less than 5% of all colorectal cancer patients require
a colostomy. This is the surgical construction of an artificial excretory
opening from the colon."
It is
possible to avert any possible risks for colon cancer by taking the following
steps.
- Eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These not only
contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but also plenty of fibre,
which can play a major role in preventing cancer.
- Drink in moderation and limit the amount of alcohol to no more than
one drink a day for women and two for men.
- Stop smoking and speak to your doctor about how to quit this habit.
- Get about 30 minutes of exercise every day.
- Maintain a healthy weight and for those who already have a healthy
weight, it is a good idea to maintain the same by working out and eating
healthy.
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