Make a Difference with Colon Cancer Awareness – Report
Dr. R.P Deo
MS, DCCF(Paris), FICS

Consultant Onco Surgeon and Head & Neck Oncologist

(Manipal Hospital Bangalore, Aster Hospital Bangalore, Dr. Rudrappa Hospital Bangalore, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna)

Colorectal cancer is a common issue in India, affecting both men and women. Often, it starts without any warning signs. The key is prevention – “YOU CAN STOP this cancer before it STARTS.” Regular checks like colonoscopies can catch it early, making it easier to treat. Certain lifestyle factors like obesity, bad eating habits, and smoking can contribute, especially in younger adults.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Narasimhaiah suggests a simple approach to health and avoiding diseases. He stresses the importance of preventing problems before they start. He recommends easy exercises like deep breathing and suggests shifting from busy city life to a simpler one to stay healthy. Obesity is a big problem, but traditional Indian meals, regular exercise, and yoga can help.

If you notice changes like frequent urination or blood, it’s essential to get checked quickly. Regular check-ups after treatment help monitor your health. Eating traditional foods, staying active, and using Indian-style toilets all play a role in preventing colorectal cancer. Keeping it simple and staying healthy is the key!

Q & A
Q 1 – Can we heal colorectal cancer?

Ans – majority of cancers are sporadic cancer 65%. Only 25% cancer are familial (e.g. parents had cancer in 50s which change genes). Genetics cancers – 5%, sure shot you will have a colon cancer-test can identify genes.

Q 2 – Is there any treatment available with less cost?
Ans – Utmost important is Awareness, we are lacking in clinical practice. Catching early can reduce the treatment cost. Aasha workers have done great job for cervical and breast awareness and removing stigma.

Colonoscopy is gold standard which can be opted if symptoms are there. Good clinical review and good lifestyle habits help too. If Lot of mucus and bleeding in back passage, weight loss, anaemia, palpitation, must go for scan.

Annual check ups help to catch them early and cure early lowering the cost. There are programs for bowel screening. First step is risk stratification based on questions asked to patients. If risk is identified then colonoscopy is recommended.

Q 3 - How often we should do fasting and what particular food or diet to be taken post fasting?

Ans – An intermittent fasting can be done twice a month. It helps to clean the gut and system. Keep hydrate during fasting and drop on the carbs. But check on medical condition first before fasting.

Q 4 - How to deal with the side effects of the drug?

Ans – Yoga, meditation, good food, fresh air, stay healthy, positive thinking, community, living happily.

Q 5 - At what age should test for colon cancer?

Ans – If no symptom then not required, until age of 50-55. After 40 if have issues of Gastric, Bleeding then you should go for colonoscopy.

Q 6 - Are there targeted treatment apart from chemo based on profiles, that are specifically used for treating colo-rectal cancer? How to avoid in youngster?

Ans – If no symptom then not required, until age of 50-55. After 40 if have issues of Gastric, Bleeding then you should go for colonoscopy.

Q 7 – Should we use De-worming tablet regularly?
Ans – Extremes of hygiene and extremes of dirt. More cleaner you are less immuned you are . So expose to dirt for better immune system. Use deworming tablets only if required and any symptoms just like antibiotics. For probiotic home curd is best.