Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Prioritize screening and prevention.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative aims to raise awareness about this preventable disease and encourage early detection and screening.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer or bowel cancer, affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It develops over time, often starting as small, noncancerous polyps. If these polyps are not removed, they can develop into cancer.                  


Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

  • Age: The risk increases with age, especially after 50.

  • Family History: A family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions can increase your risk.

  • Personal History of Polyps: A history of polyps in the colon or rectum increases the risk.

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can increase the risk.

  • Lifestyle Factors: A diet high in red and processed meat, physical inactivity, and smoking can increase the risk.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms. As the cancer progresses, you may experience:

  • Change in bowel habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency.

  • Rectal bleeding: Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.

  • Persistent abdominal pain or cramps

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Fatigue

  • Anemia

Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Regular screening tests can help detect colorectal cancer early, when it's most treatable. Common screening tests include:

  • Colonoscopy: A procedure to examine the entire colon and rectum.

  • Sigmoidoscopy: A shorter procedure that examines the lower part of the colon.

  • Stool Tests: These tests check for blood in the stool, which may indicate a problem.

Dr. Rahul Raghavapuram, a renowned gastroenterologist at IRA Gastro Clinic in Meerpet, is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients with colorectal cancer. He offers a range of diagnostic and treatment options, including:

  • Endoscopy: To detect and remove polyps.

  • Surgery: To remove cancerous tumors.

  • Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: To treat advanced stages of colorectal cancer.

By raising awareness about colorectal cancer and encouraging regular screenings, we can work together to reduce the burden of this disease.

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