Colon Cancer
What is Colon Cancer?
One of the most common cancers in Bangladesh is colon cancer which affects both men and women.
Colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Bangladesh, yet one of the most preventable and treatable cancers in the early stages.
We provide risk assessments, screenings and treatments for all patients.
Are You at Risk of Colorectal Cancer?
Individuals aged 50 and above
Although colorectal cancer may manifest at any age, chances of developing colorectal cancer notably increases after the age of 50.
Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer
Although colorectal cancer may manifest at any age, chances of developing colorectal cancer notably increases after the age of 50.
Risk factors of individuals with the following lifestyle and diet
Obesity, Cigarettes and tobacco use, Heavy alcohol intake, Sedentary lifestyle, High consumption of processed and red meats
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Most colorectal cancers begin as benign polyps. Polyps usually do not give rise to any symptoms unless they expand in size.
Many people with colon cancer are asymptomatic in the early stages. For people with colon cancer at a later stage, the colon cancer symptoms may vary depending on cancer’s size and location.
The common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
- Change in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhoea, or a change in stool consistency that lasts longer than 4 weeks
- Weakness or fatigue
- Persistent abdominal symptoms like gas, cramps and pain
- Unexplained weight loss
DIAGNOSIS of COLON CANCER
Colon cancer is one of the few forms of cancer that is preventable via early detection through routine screening.
All persons above the age of 45 should go to a colon cancer clinic like GutCare for colorectal cancer screening with any colon cancer specialist regardless of whether they have symptoms. While screening can be done through a stool test, colonoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing colorectal cancer.
All persons with increased risk should undergo colonoscopy even earlier. These include people with
personal or family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
A colonoscopy can aid in the diagnosis and removal of polyps. Upon removal, these polyps can be examined further under a microscope.
Effective removal of all polyps during colonoscopy will prevent colorectal cancer.
TREATMENT of COLON CANCER
Treatment of colon cancers largely depends on the stage of cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be recommended as treatment options.
Visit a colon cancer clinic or talk to a colon cancer specialist who is also an expert in gastroenterology about your options and the costs involved, and discuss which tests or treatment methods are more appropriate for your needs.