Essential Information on Colorectal Cancer in Hyderabad

Across the globe and in places like Hyderabad, colorectal cancer or bowel cancer has emerged as a noteworthy health problem. Understanding the disease, risk factors for its development of, and methods to screen for early detection and treatment are details that answer these questions. Stay informed about your health. We believe in making our patients aware at the Medicover Hospitals, Hyderabad, and we strive to provide comprehensive care against colorectal cancer.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is an umbrella term for colon or rectal cancers, which take root in the digestive system. Most of it starts as innocent polyps, which turn to cancer with time if not caught and removed. Timely presentation by means of routine screening is important for proper management and better prognosis.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing colorectal cancer These include:

• Age: The chance of developing the disease increases with age and more rapidly after reaching 50.
• Family History: Those with a first-degree relative, such as parents and siblings who have had colorectal cancer or polyps, are more likely to develop them, too.
• Diet: Red or processed meats and low-fibre fruits and vegetables.
• Habits: Physical inactivity, overweight or obesity, tobacco smoking, as well as the consumption of alcohol.
• Medical Conditions: Certain diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, can impact the patient's ability to heal.

By understanding these risk factors, you can implement lifestyle modifications and monitor your future health accordingly.

Importance of Cancer Screening

Early Detection Saves Lives

Screening is so important for this type of cancer because it can only be cured or stopped from getting worse if treated early enough. There are different screening modalities, and the best choice depends upon individual risk factors and pre-existing medical history.

Screening Methods

• Colonoscopy:The Most Thorough Screening Test During the procedure, doctors can see your entire colon and rectum to remove any polyps.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): This stool blood test checks for hidden blood in the stool, which may be an early sign of colon or rectal cancer.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This procedure examines the lower part of the colon and rectum but may miss some early cancers.
• CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): A procedure using a scanner to create images of the entire colon that can show polyps or cancer.

People in high-risk groups should be screened yearly, starting at age 50 or younger. However, do talk about this with your healthcare provider at Medicover Hospitals to find the best screening for you.

Learning About Colorectal Cancer

Symptoms to Watch For

Colorectal cancer is largely asymptomatic in the early stages, and hence, it becomes imperative that screening take place. However, when the disease becomes more serious, it can include:

• Diarrhoea, constipation or narrowing of the stool
• Bleeding from the anus or blood in the stool
• Ongoing abdominal pain (cramps, gas, pains)
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Diagnosis and Staging

Diagnostic tools once symptoms exist or screening tests show an abnormality. These may include:

• Biopsy: Removing tissue samples to examine under a microscope.
• Imaging Tests: These may include a CT or MRI of the chest, which will give you an indication of how far away from the source organ the damaged cells had moved.
• Blood Test: this will include checking for certain markers that might be a sign of cancer.

It is important to stage cancer, ranging from Stage I (localised) through IV (metastasised) so that an appropriate treatment strategy can be devised.

Treatment Options at Medicover Hospitals

The Colorectal Cancer Specialist at Medicover Hospitals—Hyderabad uses a multidisciplinary approach that combines the experience of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists.

Surgery

Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the location of the cancer within the colon or rectum, the stage and other personal factors as well. Surgery to remove a section of the colon that contains cancer is called colectomy. Types of surgery include:

• Polypectomy: removing polyps during a colonoscopy
• Colectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the colon.
• Proctectomy: Surgery to remove part or all of the rectum.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy beams are used to kill the cancer cells. The medication is often given prior to surgery to shrink tumours or postoperatively to eradicate any cancerous cells that may have escaped being removed.

Chemotherapy

Treatment with medication that kills cancer cells or stops them from turning into new ones. It can be given by mouth or through a needle in the vein and is likely to be used with surgery radiation therapy.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy quite simply targets cancer cells and leaves the normal cells alone. It can be used for advanced colorectal cancer or when traditional treatments are inappropriate.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Prevention

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes in lifestyle can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. These include:

• Diet: Follow a whole food plant-based diet that is low in red and processed meats.
• Exercise: Participating in regular physical activity for 30 or more minutes on most days of the week.
• Regular Exercise: Keeping a healthy body weight from nutrition and exercise.
• Avoiding Tobacco and Limiting Alcohol: Smoking is highly accountable for causing colorectal cancer while drinking too much alcohol in one way or another contributes to an increased risk of it.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic testing is recommended only when there are abnormal risk factors, such as positive family history of colorectal cancer, or in case certain gene mutations predispose to malignancy. It guides and notifies of the earliest preventive strategies.

Support and Resources at Medicover Hospitals

Patient Education and Support Groups

Medicover Hospitals focuses on patient education and assistance. Our resources help patients and their families learn about colorectal cancer, treatment options, and managing the disease.

Our support groups offer a way for patients to connect, share their experiences with others who are going through similar circumstances and receive the latest news about colorectal cancer care.

Advanced Technology and Expertise

With cutting-edge technology and a team of oncologists, surgeons, and healthcare professionals with immense experience in the field, Medicover Hospitals provides top-notch care to cancer patients. Through our comprehensive approach, we deliver a unique and personalised care plan for each person.

Conclusion

Early detection improves the prognosis of colorectal cancer, and treatment, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, makes it possible to recover from this life-threatening disease. Our mission at Medicover Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Hyderabad, is to make sure every patient, visitor, or family that walks into our hospital receives excellent medical care and, above all, compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions