Here’s how people with a family history of colorectal cancer can reduce their risk | Health

Colorectal cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer death in India and begins in large intestine (colon) or rectum. It occurs when cells in the colon go out of control, and mostly in older people (over 45 years old), this type of cancer usually starts as small, benign masses of cells called polyps, that form inside. colon and after a while these polyps turn into cancerous cells.

Healthy cells in the colon develop mutations in their DNA that accumulate together to form tumors, and over time, these cancer cells grow to invade and destroy normal tissues. usually nearby. Although there is no specific cause behind the development of colorectal cancer and it is mostly found in people with no family history of colorectal cancer, about 1 in 3 people develop colorectal cancer. affected by this condition have other family members (parents, siblings or children) with the condition. have colorectal cancer.

This puts people with a history of colorectal cancer at a higher risk of developing the disease. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vijay Agarwal, Team Leader and Senior Consultant – Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Aster CMI Hospital in Bangalore, shared: “The cause of the increase is unknown. The risk is in all cases but is higher if their next of kin was diagnosed with cancer before age 50 or if more than one parent, sibling or child is affected. If you also have a family member with adenomatous polyps or a history of adenomatous polyps, you should talk to your doctor and check with them about the need to start screening before age 45.

He advises: “Screening helps detect this cancer early, so if you already have colorectal cancer, you must inform your loved ones so they can conduct screening at the right age. Colorectal cancer presents a number of symptoms and risk factors that can help with early identification.” According to him, they include –

• Persistent change in bowel habits with diarrhea or constipation and stool changes
• Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
• Persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramping, bloating, or pain
• Fatigue or weight loss

Dr Vijay Agarwal revealed: “The symptoms of colorectal cancer vary from patient to patient in terms of size and location in the large intestine. Some people with colon cancer don’t experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease.” He lists risk factors as:

1. Old age – Although colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, it is mostly found in people over the age of 50. There is no specific cause behind the diagnosis as numbers are also increasing in young people.

2. Personal background – If you’ve had colon cancer or noncancerous polyps, you’re at increased risk for colon cancer in the future.

3. Inflammatory bowel condition – It includes diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that can increase the risk of colon cancer.

4. Hereditary syndrome – A very small percentage of colon cancers are caused by inherited syndromes such as Familial Adrenal Adrenal Polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, also known as Hereditary Non-Polypemic Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) ).

5. Family history – Your risk of colorectal cancer increases if you have a close relative with the disease. If more than one family member has colon cancer, the risk is even greater.

6. Sedentary lifestyle – People who are inactive or on a high-fat or low-fiber diet have a higher risk of colon cancer. Heavy drinking and smoking put you at higher risk. Following a healthy lifestyle and getting regular physical activity can reduce your risk.

7. Type 2 diabetes – Patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent) have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

8. Obesity – People who are obese are at higher risk and have less favorable outcomes than those of normal weight.

9. Radiation therapy – This therapy, when directed to the abdomen to treat previous cancer, increases the risk of colon cancer

How can you prevent colon cancer yourself?

Dr. Vijay Agarwal emphasizes that there are a number of preventive measures you can take to prevent colon cancer. Including:

1. Projection – Traditional endoscopic colon cancer screening is recommended every 10 years after age 45 before any signs or symptoms may develop. Doctors also include a number of other tests including –

2. Colonoscopy – This is a type of screening in which a colonoscope is used to obtain images of the colon and rectum. This method is considered the “gold standard” in colon cancer screening because of its accuracy and the ability of doctors to remove the tumor at the same time.

3. Virtual colonoscopy/CT – In this method, doctors use a computed tomography (CT) scan of the colon when the colon is slightly distended to provide a clearer picture.

4. Flexible sigmoidoscopy – This uses light and a camera lens or sigmoidoscope lens to view the colon

5. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) – This screening method uses a light and camera lens or sigma lens to examine the colon. With this test, doctors can find microscopic blood stains that may not be visible during a normal bowel movement at home.

6. Stool DNA test – This helps analyze the stool sample to look for any genetic changes that could indicate colorectal cancer.

7. Lifestyle changes – Moderating your alcohol consumption, limiting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are some of the preventive measures through which you can reduce your risk of colon cancer.