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- Dr. Narasimhaiah Srinivasaiah
- Senior Consultant
- Colorectal & Robotic Surgery
- Apollo Hospital, Bangalore
- 8197088434
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Introduction/Background:
Colorectal cancer one of the leading cause of cancer death in the western world *. India is not lagging behind.
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Cancer risks:
Environmental factors contribute to 95% of all the colorectal cancers seen. Risk factors include Sedentary lifestyle, Stress, Obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, Alcohol, fast food, excess red meat, lack of fibre. Food, water and Air pollution play a role. The genetic cancers account to 5%.
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Prevention and Treatment:
Prevention is better than cure. While CRC is not entirely preventable, Risk reduction with Awareness, a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and balanced diet with fruit, vegetables, whole grains and foods containing fibre can be done. Screening has its role.
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Awareness:
Creating awareness is half job done. Spreading symptom awareness of early warning signs of colo-rectal cancer is paramount.
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Dietary changes:
Stick to the traditional home-cooked food rich in balanced nutrients and greens. Fresh, lean meat which is cooked slowly at moderate temperature is preferable when opting for a non-vegetarian meal. Furthermore, a diet rich in fibre, fruit, vegetables, folate, calcium and vitamin D can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
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Lifestyle changes:
Get a daily dose of exercise and keep your weight in check. Avoid being overweight.
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Toileting changes:
As important as eating healthy is evacuation of the waste. An unhealthy toilet habit and toileting positions can lead to stools rich in toxic metabolites such as ammonia. This causes damage to the lining of the colon and rectum. The damage triggers a change in the cells which are precursors for cancers. This is very true of the Western system of toilets where the evacuation can be incomplete. Indian toilets or Squatty potties are recommended.
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Screening:
Colonoscopy is the gold standard. A routine check after the age of 40 years can be useful in high risk or symptomatic patients.
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References:
*National Cancer Institute
