Screen your colon to prevent cancer
Colorectal cancer stands in the top five cancers in Bangladesh and kills many people every year. Cancers arising from the colon, rectum, appendix and anus are called colorectal cancers. Most colorectal cancers develop from pre-existing benign (non-cancerous) polyps — grape like growth inside the colon or rectum. That is why screening to detect this pre-cancerous growth and also diagnose the cancer at early stage is crucial to prevent cancer and save lives. Risk factors:
* Age: People aged 50 years or older. * Diet and exercise: A diet made up mostly of foods that are high in fat, especially from animal sources, can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. People who are not physically active have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. * Smoking and alcohol: Recent studies showed that smokers are 30 to 40 percent more likely than nonsmokers to die of colorectal cancer. Heavy use of alcohol has also been linked to colorectal cancer. * Personal history of bowel disease: A personal history of colon cancer or intestinal polyps and diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer. * Family history/genetic factors: A person who has a specific inherited gene syndrome is at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer. People with a strong family history of colorectal cancer are also at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer. Experts recommend that colorectal cancer screening should be a part of routine healthcare for people over the age of 50. People having these risk factors are strongly recommended to be screened earlier. Among the screening tests Colonoscopy is considered the Gold Standard. Other diagnostic tools include: Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Double Contrast Barium Enema, Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), DNA-based Stool Test, Virtual Colonoscopy. Symptoms
The following symptoms might indicate colorectal cancer: a change in bowel habits, diarrhoea, constipation, or alternate diarrhoea and constipation, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, constant tiredness, feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, abdominal discomfort — gas, bloating, fullness, cramps, and unexplained anemia. If some one experiences any of these symptoms for more than few days, he should consult a doctor. However, it can be present in people without symptoms having known family history or predisposing conditions. Treatment
Treatment for colorectal cancer is most effective when the cancer is found early. Colorectal cancer treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, or any combination of these. Surgery is the first line of defense against colorectal cancer. Several novel chemotherapeutic drugs, such as Camptosar (CPT-11), Eloxatin (Oxaliplatin), Erbitux, Avastin and Xeloda, are now FDA-approved. In addition, clinical trials are investigating new therapies such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapy, and starving tumors of their blood supply. ................................................. The write up is compiled by Professor Dr Lt Col Md Mofazzel Hossain (Retd), Head, Department of Oncology, Bangladesh Medical College.
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