What comes to your mind when you first hear of cancer? A deadly disease, end of life is what many people will refer to cancer. However, panicking and getting hopeless is not the right approach to cancer treatment. Cancer can be of various types depending on its site of origin. For example, if cancer starts in your kidney cells then it is referred to as kidney cancer. Similarly, colorectal cancer is one such very common type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. It is, in fact, the third most common cause of cancer deaths all across the globe.  Experience with battling cancer can be different for every individual and thus needs specialized Colorectal Cancer Treatment In Delhi by the best oncologist in Delhi. However, first, you need to be well informed about what colorectal cancer is all about?

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the type of cancer that starts in any part of your colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine), which may further spread to various body parts. Colorectal cancer generally appears in the form of polyps that may turn cancerous if left untreated. It can occur at any age but is more commonly seen in people belonging to an age group of above 50 years.

What are the risk factors of colorectal cancer?

The lifetime risk of developing this type of cancer is around one in thirty, with men and women combined. Some of the risk factors for developing colorectal cancer are

Obesity and physical inactivity

Obesity and lack of physical activity are the major contributors, that puts you at a greater risk of developing this type of cancer.

Diets

A diet comprising of a lot of processed and red meat such as pork, beef increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Smoking

Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer as we all know but it also is a major risk factor for developing colorectal cancer.

Chronic alcoholism

Chronic alcoholism puts both men and women at a higher risk of developing this cancer and limiting your alcohol intake surely lowers your risks as well.

Age

Colorectal cancer can occur at every age but advancing age is surely a risk factor, where people above 50 years tend to suffer from this type of cancer more often.

History of inflammatory bowel disease

Chronic IBD including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can put you at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Genetics

It has been estimated that 1 out of 3 people who develop colorectal cancer have a family history of this cancer. A certain mutation in the genes can also result in colorectal cancer in around 2% of the population.

What symptoms indicate towards colorectal cancer?

By noticing these few changes you can identify the symptoms of colorectal cancer. Few of these symptoms are

Changes in your bowel habits

These include diarrhoea, constipation and alterations in the consistency of your stools.

Abdominal discomfort

Abdominal discomfort such as flatulence, cramps and a feeling of bloating are very common in case of colorectal cancer.

fatigue/weakness

Weakness or fatigue along with nausea and vomiting are the common symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Rectal bleeding

The appearance of bright or dark red stool could be an indication of colorectal cancer.

However, in order to find out about this condition, a diagnosis is a must as you can not just rely on the symptoms. It is estimated that early screening of colorectal cancer can make this condition highly treatable in its earlier stages only. However, if cancer has gone beyond the primary stage and has a risk of spreading then you need to seek treatment from an experienced oncologist who may give you one or more of the several treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, surgery. However, seeking treatment is one thing but to deal with the journey of cancer treatment is another. Below given are few of the tips one can follow to lessen their suffering and appear stronger.

How to deal with colorectal cancer?

Once you have come to terms with the fact that you have colorectal cancer and you are seeking treatment for it, the part where you have to deal with it on a daily basis is the hardest. Here are a few tips which can help in easing your journey

Lifestyle modifications

Exercise: you must include an exercise regimen in your life while undergoing cancer treatment to not only keep you fit but reduce the stress levels as well.

Dietary Changes: after consulting your oncologist you will come to know if there are certain dietary changes or food restrictions you need to make while undergoing the cancer treatment.

Emotional Health Is Equally Important: it is very likely to feel low and depressed on certain days fearing what tomorrow holds. However, it is important to stay positive and stay with people who are your pillars of strength during these tough times.

Self-Care: Self-care during a cancer treatment must include exercise, intaking right nutrition and keeping yourself away from negative influences. You can indulge in activities that keep you happy. This will make you deal with your condition in a better way, without losing hope.

Dr. Rudra is a renowned name in performing laparoscopic surgical oncology, limb salvage surgery, and treatment for hepatopancreatic biliary tumours. Dr. Rudra is the Best Cancer Specialist In Delhi who is constantly serving towards making the lives of colorectal cancer patient’s lives easier by giving them the best colorectal cancer treatment in Delhi.