Five things one should know about colon cancer

Colon and rectal cancers are the third common group of cancers. In 2018 almost 1.8 million new cases of colon cancers were diagnosed. Despite it being fairly common people seem to know very little about this disease. The month of March is dedicated to raising awareness about colon and rectal cancers. Let us use this opportunity to learn five important things about colon cancers.

Fact 1

Risk of colon cancer can be reduced by lifestyle and diet changes. Eating diet rich in fruits , vegetables and grains reduces the chances of colon cancer while eating red meat increases it. Healthy lifestyle and regular exercise also plays a part in reducing the risk of colon cancer

Fact 2

Screening will help detect colon cancer early. Colonoscopy is an important test which will help detect colon cancers and also polyps a few of which can go on to become cancer. This involves passing a flexible , lighted tube up the anal canal to see the entire colon. There are other tests available like stool occult blood testing and virtual colonoscopy Fact 3

Few colonic cancers can be hereditary. Around 5 percent of patients diagnosed with colon cancer can have genes which have come to them from there parents. There are well described genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome and Familial adenomatous polyposis coli in which many members of the family can have colon cancer. Patients having these cancer genes tend to develop colon cancer at a younger age. Tests are available to detect these genes in those patients in whom there is high suspicion of hereditary colon cancers

Fact 4

Colon cancers are highly curable. This is especially true for early stage colon cancers. Surgery forms the backbone of treatment and the affected portion of the colon is generally cut and joined. In more advanced cases chemotherapy may be needed following surgery. Radiation is used more in rectal cancers and less so in colonic cancers

Fact 5

Many cases of colon cancers can be cured even if it has spread to the liver. Though this statement is not universally true colon cancers do have potential for cure even after it has spread to liver. In these cases surgery of both the primary in the colon and the liver metastases may be needed. Surgery will have to be supplemented with chemotherapy .

Dr Anil Kamath is a senior consultant surgical oncologist with expertise in treating colon and rectal cancers. He is available for consultation at Healius cancer clinic. For appointment call 9900613143