Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer Treatment in Kondapur, Hyderabad

This type of cancer begins in the colon which is located at the end of the digestive tract. It is also known as colorectal cancer as it can develop in the rectum as well, which is at the end of the colon.

Colorectal cancer accounts for 10% of yearly deaths due to cancer on the global level. It is hence, considered one of the common cancers worldwide with the majority of the incidence rates rising in developing countries like India.

What is Colon Cancer?

Colon Cancer originates as small, noncancerous cells that form clumps called polyps inside the tissues of the colon. Some of these polyps turn into colon cancers over time.

Like any other cancer, it develops in stages. It is most advanced when at stage 4 which is when cancer spreads to other distant organs like the liver or lungs.

What are the Symptoms of Colon Cancer?

One may not experience any symptoms at the early stages of colon cancer but if you do, the signs may include:

• Persistent bowel problems like diarrhoea or constipation
• Changes in the consistency and colour of stool
• Blood in the stool
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Abdominal discomfort and pain from excessive gas

Symptoms that can be experienced in the later advanced stages with the earlier present signs may include:

• Excessive fatigue
• Excessive and unexplained weight loss
• Continuous weakness
• Vomiting

Symptoms that cancer has spread to other parts of the body may include:

• Yellowing of skin and eyes(Jaundice)
• Breathing difficulties
• Persistent headaches
• Swelling of hands or feet
• Fracturing of bones
• Blurry vision

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kondapur

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

What are the Causes?

There is still uncertainty about what causes colon cancers.

A probable cause that doctors think may cause it is the inheritance or acquiring of genetic mutations. These mutations may not cause cancer for sure, but do increase one’s chances of developing it.

Such mutations may cause the accumulation of abnormal cells forming polyps in the lining of the colon. These polyps may turn into cancer if not treated at the right time.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms for a prolonged period, make an appointment with your doctor at Apollo Kondapur.

If you have a family history of the disease or any other risk factors, discuss starting colon cancer screenings with your doctor.

What are the Risk Factors?

Factors that may increase the risk of you developing colon cancer and cannot be controlled include:

• Old age as the majority of cases is found in people of more than 50 years of age. Although it is possible to develop this cancer at any age.
• A family history with the disease. There is a greater chance of you developing cancer if any of your blood-related family members have the disease.
• A personal history of colon polyps. If you have had noncancerous colon polyps in the past, you are at greater risk of developing colon cancer in the future.
• Inflamed bowel system. If you suffer from diseases like ulcerative colitis in your bowel that may have caused its inflammation, the risk is high.
• Inherited genetic syndromes can lead to cancer of the colon, although it happens in rare cases.

Factors that can be controlled to reduce the risk of getting colon cancer include:

• Being obese.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Having Diabetes or insulin resistance.
• An inactive lifestyle where regular exercise is not performed.
• Consuming a diet low in fibre and high in fats is often associated with increased risks of getting colon cancer.

What are the Prevention methods of Colon Cancer?

Screening of colon cancer after the age of 50 is suggested to keep a check on one’s health and be able to detect and treat cancer right at its early stages.

Bringing simple changes to the lifestyle that involves eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding consumption of tobacco, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the chances of one developing colon cancer.

If you are at higher risks of developing cancer due to previously present factors are advised to start early screening or preventive medications after discussing with your doctor.

What is the Treatment for Colon Cancer?

The treatment of colorectal cancer depends upon factors like one’s overall health and the stage the cancer is at. Doctors may accordingly suggest treatment options that may include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Preventive medications

As the incident rate is rising among the population of India, prevention of developing colon or rectal cancer can be attributed to changing lifestyles that include health-enhancing behaviours.

Colon cancer ranks 8th and rectal cancer ranks 9th among men in India while for women of the country, rectal cancer does not figure in the top 10 cancers, whereas colon cancer ranks 9th.