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What is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month? Why We Need To Pay Attention?

Introduction

Standing among the top 5 most frequent cases reported, colorectal cancer is third-common cancer among men worldwide. An estimated number of approximately 4.4% of men (1 in 23) and 4.1% of women (1 in 25) may be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

Colorectal cancer also called colon cancer and bowel cancer is cancer that affects the colon, rectum and large intestine. The name of the disease varies based on where the cancer cells are present. 

The month of March is observed as colon and rectal cancer awareness month. Let us find out more about this common threat.

Causes and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer usually begins as non-cancerous clumps of cells called polyps that may form inside the colon. If not treated, these polyps can grow to be cancerous as time passes.

Initially, polyps are small and rarely produce symptoms. This is why regular screening tests are recommended by doctors to help prevent colon cancer. Polyps can be identified and removed before they turn cancerous. Why cancer happens is not yet known. 

In its early stages, it is difficult to identify colorectal cancer symptoms. Some colorectal cancers may be present without any symptoms.

This is why regular colorectal screenings are important to detect problems early. The best procedure to identify colon cancer symptoms is a colonoscopy. Other options include CT colon, Biopsy and many others.

Among the effects it has on the body, colon cancer causes a change in bowel habits. Colorectal cancer may cause

The most noticeable of all colon cancer symptoms is blood in the stools. However, blood in the stool may be indications of other diseases as well.

Other colorectal cancer symptoms include-

Sometimes colorectal cancer causes vomiting and abdominal or pelvic pain as well.

Who is at risk?

Men and women both are equally at risk for colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is most common among middle-aged people but may also affect teenagers. 

Colorectal cancer risk factors may include symptoms such as:

What is the cure?

Surgical Intervention: Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer at any stage. If the cancer is found at a very early stage, it can be removed with surgery. Depending on the age and health of the patient, a laparoscopic colectomy can be done. This allows early recovery and avoids big incisions. Once the surgery is concluded, chemotherapy follows with radiation and (or) targeted drug therapy as advised by the doctor. 

Will it come back after treatment?

In most cases, colorectal cancer does not recur after surgery. However, in about 35% to 40% of people, it might recur within 3-5 years of treatment. Often when cancer recurs, it could be in the colon or rectum. However, it could also be in other parts of the body, such as the liver and lungs.

Conclusion: Why colorectal cancer needs to be discussed?

Colorectal Cancer is an actual and imminent threat that could affect anyone. Colon cancer is still not a widely discussed topic. This makes those who are suffering from colon cancer suppress themselves. It keeps them from going to a hospital out of shame. Moreover, not being aware of the threat, people do not go in for screening that could save their lives. Being a very real threat, this topic deserves its due attention. The more we talk about colorectal cancer, the easier it is for people to be aware and seek treatment. It is important to move past taboos and focus on what betters our health.

Also Read: Is Bowel Leakage a Sign of Cancer? Unpacking Oncology-Related Symptoms

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Vaccination: A Key Weapon In The Fight Against Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 6,04,000 new cases and 3,42,000 deaths in 2020. About 90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countriesWorld Health Organisation. Fortunately, we do have measures like vaccines and early diagnosis of precancerous lesions available to prevent Cervical Cancers.  What is Cervical Cancer?Cervical cancer is cancer that affects the cervix in women. The cervix is the narrow, lower end of the uterus. The cervix connects the vagina to the upper part of the uterus. The womb or the uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. These are the body parts that suffer the most because of Cervical cancer symptoms.  The CauseThe human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main root of causing this cancer in women. HPV is a common virus that is transferred from one person to another during sexual intercourse. According to medical studies, at least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but among them, only a few women will get cervical cancer.All sexually active women are at risk of suffering from it. It usually occurs most often in women over the age of 30.   In addition to having HPV, these factors can also contribute to cervical cancer in women: The SymptomsSymptoms of cervical cancer don’t usually become apparent unless it has reached an advanced stage. Symptoms might also be confused as indications of other problems like yeast infection or a urinary tract infection.Here is the list of Cervical cancer symptoms: Measures for prevention of Cervical Cancer-
  1. HPV Vaccine- Talk to your doctor about HPV vaccination. WHO recommends vaccination for girls aged 9-14 years, i.e. before a girl becomes sexually active, to prevent HPV infections. A female can receive HPV vaccination even at a later age. 
  2. Screening- HPV infections are very common in sexually active females. It takes around 15-20 years for a chronic HPV infection to develop into cancer in an otherwise healthy female. Screening for HPV is a very easy process that one can follow to rule out any risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer. It can be done by PAP smear test or by other tests for HPV infection.
Screening is recommended from 30 years of age, irrespective of the vaccination status of the female.
  1. Diagnosis- Diagnostic tests can help identify a precancerous lesion or cancer at an early stage. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment increase the chances of a cure.
The first one is through a Pap test (or Pap smear), which looks for precancerous cell changes on the cervix that can be treated. The Pap test can find cervical cancer early, which is when the treatment is most effective. The Pap test is recommended for women who have sexual intercourse and are aged between 30 -65 years old.The HPV test looks for HPV, the virus that can cause cervical cancer and precancerous cell changes.Biopsy and other imaging tests like PET scan or MRI may be advised if deemed necessary by a doctor.As with all diseases, prevention is better than cure. But not all cancers are preventable, Share this information with more people to spread awareness about preventing cervical cancers. In a nutshell, some ways to avoid cervical cancer are to get the HPV vaccine, have protected sex, get regular PAP tests and quit smoking.Also Read: Does Urinating After Sexual Intercourse Prevent Pregnancy: Dispelling Sexual Health Myths Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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