For 48-year-old B Pattnaik, February 20th seemed like just another day at work. However, after lunch, he suddenly felt unwell and went to the restroom, where he experienced bloody stools and dizziness before collapsing. His colleagues quickly took him to a nearby hospital. Initial tests and IV fluids followed, and he underwent a sigmoidoscopy, which revealed a substantial rectal tumor. A biopsy confirmed that he had colon cancer, which had advanced near his liver.
Dr. Amanjeet Singh, a senior director and head of colorectal surgery at Medanta in Gurugram, explained that Pattnaik had suffered from constipation for six to eight months, occasionally noticing blood in his stools. He dismissed these symptoms as resulting from a hectic lifestyle, poor diet, and perhaps too much coffee. Routine health checks, including cholesterol and blood sugar levels, were all normal, and there was no family history of related illnesses, leading him to believe he was fit. This underestimation of symptoms would soon prove costly.
Pattnaik, a father of two teenagers, is now on the path to recovery. The treatment involved a colectomy to remove part of his colon, followed by chemotherapy to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, along with targeted therapy aimed at specific cancer markers. Dr. Singh noted that had Pattnaik recognized signs like alterations in bowel habits and rectal bleeding sooner, much of this could have been avoided. Early detection of colorectal cancer typically offers a high cure rate, with five-year survival rates of around 90-95% for Stage I cases. The later the diagnosis, the more complicated the treatment becomes.
What are early signs of colorectal cancer?
Changes in bowel habits should never be ignored. A study from 2023 identified initial symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer as abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Symptoms like unexplained weight loss and iron deficiency anemia also raise the risk of diagnosis. For instance, a drop in hemoglobin levels, especially in menopausal women, deserves investigation rather than mere iron supplements.
In India, there’s a tendency for patients to delay seeking help due to cultural and social taboos surrounding gastrointestinal issues. This hesitance often leads to advanced diagnoses when treatment becomes more complex and less effective, resulting in poorer prognoses.
Is lifestyle the strongest risk factor for colorectal cancer?
While genetic factors do contribute, lifestyle choices play a significant role in cases like Pattnaik’s. Diets high in red and processed meats, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of sleep, and sedentary lifestyles are influential.
Why does early detection matter?
Colorectal cancer can be effectively treated when caught early. Therefore, being aware of warning signs and seeking timely medical advice is crucial. Even if the cancer spreads to the liver, the prognosis is much better if caught early, and routine screenings can make a substantial difference.
Colorectal cancers typically arise from non-cancerous polyps that can progress to dysplasia and then cancer within three to five years. That’s why early screening is essential, as polyps can often be removed during outpatient colonoscopy without needing further treatment.
Who is at risk?
Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancers, personal histories of polyps, ovarian or breast cancer, and inflammatory bowel diseases must be screened, as they are at higher risk.
Surgical techniques have advanced significantly today. Procedures can now be performed via laparoscopy and robotic surgery, resulting in smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and lower complication rates.
When should one get a colonoscopy?
It’s advisable to start screening at age 45, followed by repetitions every five years. A renewed focus on lifestyle changes should also be prioritized during middle age.
