Late Diagnosis and Lack of Awareness Leading to the Growth of Colorectal Cancer in Kerala

KOCHI:
Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer and colon cancer, is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer is a lifestyle-related cancer usually detected amongst individuals above 50 years of age.
Speaking on the growth of Colorectal Cancer in India, Kochi’s Dr K Prakash “Most colorectal cancers occur in old age in individuals above 50 years, however lifestyle factors and dietary habits have resulted in this form of cancer being evident amongst the youth as well. Patients tend to approach doctors late, due to various factors including lack of awareness, misdiagnosis, wrong treatment etc. Thus efforts must therefore be made to ensure that the general public is better educated on this form of cancer and that those with the symptoms seek medical help without any delay.”
Lifestyle changes and dietary habits, increased consumption of fried foods, low fiber intake and regular intake of red meat are some of the factors that contribute to the disease resulting in the rise of colorectal cancer especially in the younger age group.
The classic warning signs include: change in bowel habit, blood in the stool, loss of appetite, loss of weight, rectal bleeding if these signs persist for more than two weeks it is advisable to visit a gastrointestinal surgeon/ specialist at the earliest for further diagnosis.
Dr Prakash also pointed out that today, the detection techniques used to ascertain colorectal cancer and surgical intervention has developed, thus making the diagnoses process and treatment much easier.