• Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Check the Importance of Early Diagnosis, Warning Signs, and More

    Lifestyle
    Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Check the Importance of Early Diagnosis, Warning Signs, and More

    Dr Niti Raizada, an Oncologist by profession, speaks about the importance of treatment determined mainly by the patient's condition, including cancer's location, stage, and other health concerns such as comorbidities,".


    Digital Desk: Colorectal cancer is a severe worry for adults of all ages. According to Dr Niti Raizada, Director, Medical Oncology & Hemato Oncology, Fortis group of Hospitals, Bangalore, the condition is caused by "abnormal development of cells in the lining of the colon or rectum."

    As a result, since March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, keep reading to learn more about the importance of early detection, frequent screenings, risk factors, and treatment choices for you and your loved ones.

    "Timely diagnosis is critical because cancer symptoms do not appear until it has progressed to an advanced stage; therefore, early identification and treatment are the keys to prevention," stated Dr Raizada. Colorectal cancer tests should, in theory, begin in the early 40s for everyone, according to the expert.

    "Because cancer symptoms do not present until it has advanced to an advanced stage, early detection and treatment are the keys to prevention," Dr Raizada explained. According to the specialist, colorectal cancer screenings should begin in the early 40s for everyone.

    Know about some of the common symptoms of Colorectal cancer-

    "Fatigue, weakness, constipation issues, abdominal cramps, and bloating" are some of the symptoms to be aware of, according to Dr Raizada. "Rectal bleeding, continuous abdominal discomfort, and a change in your bowel habits" are just a few more severe signs of this condition.

    These symptoms could result from various digestive health issues, but a doctor's appointment is required.

    Check out the risk factors for developing colorectal cancer-

    Unhealthy diet – "Regular eating of high-fat, low-fibre foods may contribute to colorectal cancer," the expert cautioned. Another critical risk that can lead to the formation of this type of cancer is eating processed or red meat. To avoid this health problem, Dr Raizada recommends eating a plant-based diet.

    Physical inactivity: It is critical to maintaining physical fitness and exercise for at least a few hours each day. A sedentary lifestyle combined with poor eating habits can have a detrimental impact on your general health and raise your chances of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

    Tobacco and alcohol usage: Tobacco and alcohol use are two of the most critical variables leading to colorectal cancer. "It shortens a person's lifespan and risks developing more health problems over time," Dr Raizada explained.

    Family history — People with colorectal cancer in their immediate family have a higher risk of developing it. As a result, it's a good idea to speak with a doctor to learn more about your risks of being diagnosed with this illness.

    The above are the cited issues that can cause you immense trouble, eat a healthy diet, do a regular checkup, and maintain a calm nature while dealing with such disease.

    Dr Raizada explained that new diagnostic and therapeutic options for this condition have become available. "Our strategy is changing away from generalised treatments and individualised medicine." With multimodality treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, the treatment is now centred on the patient's well-being and a faster recovery. Standard screening methods such as the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and colonoscopy aid in the early diagnosis of the problem and selecting the best treatment approach."

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