Dr. Narasimhaiah Srinivasaiah
MB BS, (DNB – India), MD (Academic surgery),
MRCS (Eng, Ed, Glas), MRCSI (Dub), FRCS (Gen.Surg),
EBSQ (European Board of Surgery – Coloproctology) PGDMLE (NLSIU)
Associate Professor of Surgery, Apollo Hospitals. Head of Colorectal Services, Karnataka Region
Mitra CanCare conducted a webinar on “Make a Difference with Colon Cancer Awareness” on 18th March 2023 led by Dr. Narasimhaiah Srinivasaiah.
In INDIA Colorectal Cancer is the 4th leading cancer in men and 6th leading cancer in women. Both men and women get Colorectal cancer. This cancer often starts with no symptoms. “YOU CAN STOP this cancer before it STARTS”.
The colon and rectum are vital parts of the digestive tract. Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly, starting with small growths called polyps on the lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are harmless, some can become cancerous over time. Screening tests, such as colonoscopies and stool tests, can detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Oncologists suspect that the increase in Colorectal Cancer cases specially with young adults could be mainly due to Lifestyle changes, Obesity, Dietary habits, especially lack of fibre in diet and smoking.
Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis of colorectal cancer.
The session was attended by participants. March is observed as Colo-rectal cancer awareness month. Dr Narasimhaiah explained that Cancer is stage of evolution and it takes time to show up. We are living in era where health is very important and as per WHO “ Health is not just absence of disease but sate of complete physical, mental and social well being.”
60% death happens because of non-communicable diseases. Which is a real burden on health care system of the country. The cancer can be of one nature in one area, while can be different in another are. At present, better diagnostic, treatment and affordability is available. He recommended to work on the risk factors. He mentioned that the journey of cancer is: Prevention -> Screening -> Diagnosis -> Treatment -> Recovery / end of life . Hence Prevention is very vital.
He asked to do deep breathing exercise and focus on it, close eyes and keep concentrating on breath and feel the heart-beat. And suddenly you hear the news a family member is diagnosed with cancer, what do feel? Fear, pain, ignorance, ugly?
The cause of the cancer is hidden with the nature. We disturb it, pollute, adulterate with fertilizers and nuclear etc. India is country of affluence. We have so much of resources and hence less disciplined to use them. Obesity is the main reason of all the diseases. Our ancestor knew how to manage the balanced life, work and meditation and how to keep cancer away.
He used the quote “ A quarter of what we eat keeps us alive and other ¾ keeps the doctor alive”. So what is the transition we need? From urban, chaotic life style to simpler rural life style. Cancer has been there since long, however some treatment started in last few years. He also added that Cancer is not stage of disease but stage of evolution. Which means you have lived enough.
Like in the old tree bark needs to be removed to rejuvenated We also need to do the same. Every cell has potential to become cancer. DNA mutation happens due to environment and habits. Some of the causes could be like not having children, no breastfeeding, obesity, smoking leads to different types of cancer.
Look for the symptoms , for the routine changes- going more often urination, blood in urination can be symptoms of Colo-rectal cancer. Quickly get diagnosed. Next thing is to grade the tumor – good or bad? Cancer has stages – if cancer has just taken birth, or spread around, seeds around lymph etc. First stage can be cured very fast. It is important to boost immune system to become survivors. Once therapy is done- for 5 years go for regular check up , it may come up.
Symptoms are important to make a difference and be winner . Let us talk about prevention- gut is a forgotten organ, mother nature created the best immune system. Bacteria has impact on gut, we should think about gut first.
Have traditional food because it has its own benefits- Pickle, salt, rasam, rice, lentil, vada, chicken, ghee, egg etc., tradition meal is pro gut. Exercising is equally important. Fasting regularly helps to age slowly. Do yoga, meditation, pranayam etc. He also suggested that Indian toilet helps to clear bowel properly and western toileting brought all the diseases.