Significance of Colorectal Cancer Screening
TABLE OF CONTENTS
India has seen a rising number of colorectal cancer cases, and the rate of increase is concerning. Yet, this cancer has something that sets it apart. Dr. Amanjeet Singh, who leads Colorectal Surgery at Medanta Gurugram, highlights two key points about colorectal cancer. First, early detection makes it curable. Second, lifestyle and diet, which we can control, play a major role in its development.
The Importance of Screening
Spotting colorectal cancer makes a huge difference. Dr. Singh states that catching this cancer in its early stages can lead to a full recovery. Screening plays a key role in this process because it helps doctors find the disease before any symptoms show up. At this point, treatments have the best chance of working.
Colorectal cancer grows from many other cancers. It develops. It often starts with non-cancerous polyps, which can later turn harmful. This slow growth means regular screening can catch it in time to step in.
Who Should Get Screened?
Dr. Singh explains that some people face a higher chance of developing colorectal cancer. These individuals need to make screening a top priority.
People who have a family history of colorectal cancer - Your chances of getting this cancer go up if a close family member has had it.
Those with a past record of polyps - Finding polyps earlier might mean there’s a higher chance of developing more polyps or even cancer.
Individuals with inherited genetic conditions - Syndromes like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) or Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC) can raise the risk.
If you notice any of the warning signs listed below, make sure you see a doctor right away to get screened:
Losing weight without an apparent reason
Bleeding from your rectum
Low blood count with no clear cause
Recent shifts in how your bowels work
Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean cancer, but you should get them checked to rule out any serious issues.
How Screening Happens
Dr. Singh explains a few methods used to screen for colorectal cancer:
Basic Screening Methods
Blood tests - Doctors look at haemoglobin levels to detect anaemia and test CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) levels since some colorectal cancers may raise these markers.
Stool tests - Experts study stool samples to find hidden blood or any signs that might suggest cancer.
If early tests reveal anything worrisome, doctors recommend a colonoscopy next. This procedure helps them see the whole large intestine with an endoscope, which is a camera attached to a flexible tube. While doing the colonoscopy, doctors can take out any unusual polyps to test them. This step might prevent cancer from starting.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Dr. Singh highlights the need for people at high risk or showing symptoms to get screened without delay. Catching the condition means treatment can begin sooner giving colorectal cancer patients much better chances of recovery.
Conclusion
Screening for colorectal cancer saves lives. In India, cases of this disease keep increasing, making it more urgent to spread awareness about the value of screening. By figuring out who requires screening and getting them tested on time, we can catch this cancer when it’s easier to treat. Sometimes, we might even stop it before it starts by removing polyps that could turn cancerous.
Colorectal cancer is one of those cancers where taking action ahead of time can make a huge difference. If you are at higher risk or have troubling symptoms, talk to a doctor about the screening tests that might work for you.
FAQs
How often should colorectal cancer screening take place?
How often you should screen depends on your risk and the screening method used. Doctors often suggest a colonoscopy every 10 years for average-risk individuals. Stool-based tests might need to be done once a year.
Can colorectal cancer be prevented?
It can be prevented. It is "a lifestyle and diet-related cancer," which means making healthy choices may lower your chances. Also, removing polyps found in colonoscopies can stop cancer from forming.
What are the early symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, blood-related anaemia without a clear cause and recent bowel habit changes can point to colorectal cancer in its early stages.
Is colonoscopy the only way to screen for it?
No. Initial checks can include simple blood tests like haemoglobin or CEA levels. Stool tests to detect hidden blood can also be used. A colonoscopy happens next if those tests suggest something needs a closer look.
Are there risks when going for colorectal cancer screening?
Colonoscopy is generally safe, but it does come with slight risks like bleeding or creating a tear. Most of the time, the advantage of catching cancer early outweighs these minor risks.
Who is considered "high-risk" for colorectal cancer?
People considered high-risk are those with close relatives who had colorectal cancer, those who have had polyps themselves, or people with genetic conditions like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or Lynch Syndrome, also known as Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer.
Is it possible to cure colorectal cancer?
Yes, colorectal cancer can be cured if doctors detect it in its early stages.
