Colorectal Cancer Tests and Diagnosis

This World Cancer Day, cancer survivors and PatientsEngage contributors share advice based on their lives experience on how best to deal with a cancer diagnosis. #WeCanICan #WorldCancerDay #WCD2018 What would you tell a person who just learned of their cancer diagnosis?’ 1. Dilip Kumar Mevada, Multiple myeloma survivor Cancer so what? You can overcome it. You have to accept and forgive that you have cancer.  If I can survive you can also survive. We are the luckiest human beings to have…

Nila, 80 from Ahmedabad talks about how a mild gastro issue led to a life altering diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer and how she learnt to live with a colostomy bag and a modified lifestyle. And her coping mantras. Please tell us a bit about your condition I had Colorectal Cancer and now have a permanent colostomy bag attached to me. I was diagnosed in summer of 2016. What were the early symptoms? It all started with sudden onset of diarrhea. This was very surprising because all my life, I have…

Healthy eating habits, high fibre, can quite easily take care of one of the most common and inconvenient trouble like Constipation, says nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju. And a high fibre, nutritious recipe. Constipation is the most common digestive complaint, that makes one feel bloated, irritated and makes life quite miserable. Generally, constipation is defined as infrequent or fewer than three bowel movements per week. Less than one bowel movement per week is considered severe constipation.…

Usha Jerome, who was diagnosed with upper rectal cancer at 62, talks candidly about her symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and how she heroically fought the darkest period of her life. Where shall I begin? Perhaps with Dr Naresh Bhat, an eminent and accomplished gastroenterologist in Bangalore. It was strange that when we met him on the morning of June 19, 2011, he was his usual charming self. Later that evening, after the colonoscopy, his expression was totally grave and grim. Even at that point,…

Among the ways to prevent cancer – eating a healthy, balanced diet could be your starting point. Try to consume all essential nutrients that will help detoxify your body, stimulate the immune system and prevent healthy cells from turning cancerous. Over the last 25 years, research has produced dietary guidelines that have become conventional wisdom when it comes to cancer prevention. There are a number of substances present in our daily diet which are carcinogenic (cancer causing substances)…

Is it true that red meat should be avoided, while white meat encouraged? Bonnie Lau, an Australian-trained dietitian, counselling patients on GlycoLeap, answers. Here, we compare the pros and cons of both and helps you decide which type of meat you should eat in the future. Meat is a great source of protein and lots of vitamins and minerals. But there are claims that red meat (mutton, lamb, beef, pork) should generally be avoided, while white meat (chicken, duck, fish) is encouraged. We look at…

Endoscopy guru and leading gastroenterologist Dr Vipulroy Rathod’s comprehensive interview on gastrointestinal diseases and cancers makes for an enlightening and interesting read. What is Gastroenterology? Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders. Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which include the organs from mouth to anus, along the alimentary canal, are the focus of this specialty. Physicians practicing in this field are called…

B V Lakshmi, who has put up a courageous fight against cancer three times, appreciates life profoundly and says the mind has miraculous power to even change the effect of the DNA. My mother was milking the cow when she had her pains and I was delivered right there in the cow shed in a huge family mansion house in Madurai! That’s why people used to say “Thavuttukku vaangeena pullai”, meaning bought from the cows! I grew up amidst a large family in Chennai. My mother had 16…

Follow-up care Follow-up care is important to maintain good health after treatment and to watch for signs of recurrence. Follow-up care is extremely important in the first five years after treatment because risk of recurrence is highest during this time. In colorectal cancer, 80% of recurrence occurs in the first 2-3 years after surgery and 95% occurs within 5 years. Follow-up care includes: Physical examination every 3-6 months CT scan of chest and abdomen every 6-12 months Colonoscopy one…

There are several options to consider. These can be used alone or in combination. Treatments for colorectal cancer include: Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Targeted therapy Surgery This is the most common treatment to remove cancer from the colon or rectum or from distant organs. Types of surgery: This depends on the type, size, location and extent of the spread of cancer. Options include: Polypectomy: Small growths on the inner lining of the colon, called polyps, are removed by…