Colorectal Cancer Screening Options: When and Why to Get Tested

Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer, is a cancer that starts as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps.
The colon and rectum make up the large intestine, which is part of the lower portion of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) system.
Colorectal cancer affects both men and women equally, however, men tend to develop it at a younger age. Also, it is estimated to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Therefore, it’s important that you get colorectal cancer screening done at regular intervals beginning at age 45, especially if you are at risk of colorectal cancer. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps which can be removed before they turn into cancer. At Felix Hospital, the best Colorectal Cancer Treatment Hospital in Noida, we offer  management of colorectal diseases and world-class treatment of colorectal cancers.

So don’t wait for symptoms to appear—schedule your colorectal cancer screening today at Felix Hospitals and take the first step toward proactive health care. For appointments, contact: +919667064100.

Understanding colorectal cancer
 

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and preventable cancers worldwide. Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum, typically starting as small, benign polyps. Over time, some of these polyps may become cancerous. Therefore, regular screening helps detect and remove these polyps before they turn into cancer.

Causes

Colorectal cancer can result from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors, such as genetic mutations, high consumption of red and processed meats, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, and heavy use of alcohol, etc.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer
 

Like many cancer types, colon cancer develops silently. This is one of the reasons why colorectal cancer is so hard to detect early. However, as the cancer progresses, the commonly experienced symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, changes in stool color, abdominal discomfort, jaundice and unintentional weight loss, among others.

Colorectal cancer screening

Screening is crucial for colorectal cancer diagnosis because most colorectal cancers don’t cause symptoms in the early stages. In fact, many times, doctors first spot colon cancer during a routine screening or colonoscopy.
At Felix Hospital, the best cancer hospital in Noida, some of the common diagnostic tests performed for colorectal cancer include:

Fecal occult blood test (blood stool test) : This test helps to diagnose colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective. It is preferred only if you have an average risk of colon cancer but don't have any symptoms. 
Basically, it is a lab test to check for hidden blood called occult in stool (feces) samples. Occult blood means the one you can't see with the naked eye.
 

The two main types of fecal occult blood tests include:
 

• Guaiac smear method (gFOBT)
   
• Immunochemical method (iFOBT or FIT)

1. Stool DNA Test: This test detects microscopic amounts of blood in the stool, but unlike fecal occult blood test it also looks for certain DNA changes and mutations found in cancerous tumors or precancerous polyps.
If the test detects abnormal DNA, another confirmatory test such as colonoscopy may be required to investigate the cause and examine the inside of the colon.

2. Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test is prescribed to examine the lower part of the large intestine and to evaluate the inner lining of your rectum.
Your doctor may recommend this colorectal cancer diagnosis test if you are older than 50 years and have a risk of having colon cancer. The test helps to understand the exact cause of various colon diseases such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, intestinal problems or chronic diarrhea.

3. Barium enema X-ray: This is a type of X-ray imaging test that allows doctors to examine the lower part of your intestinal tract. It involves delivering a solution that contains barium into your rectum while a technician takes X-ray images of the area.

4. Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is usually performed as part of a screening program to diagnose colon cancer. Also, it is done to investigate the cause of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, diarrhea or to analyze bowel habits. 
The test is commonly advised to individuals who either had any previous history of polyps or colon cancer or the ones who have a family history of non-colonic cancers or colonic problems that may be associated with colon cancer.

5. CT colonography: Computed tomographic (CT) colonography, also called CTC or virtual colonoscopy (VC) is a minimally invasive technique for colorectal cancer diagnosis.

6. Ultrasound: Transrectal ultrasound, Transrectal ultrasonography or TRUS is a procedure that helps create an image of the rectum, its wall and the surrounding tissues.

7. Biopsy: The biopsy is done to examine and identify cancer cells. It is done by taking a small part of the tissue and studying it under the microscope. It is the only test that can provide definite diagnosis results.

8. Blood test: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an antigen found on the surface of many types of cancer cells. That’s why high levels of CEA can be detected in the blood of some patients with cancer.

Treatment

1. Surgery: Surgery is considered the most common treatment for the early stage or resectable colorectal cancers. Besides tumor, part of the healthy colon or rectum and nearby lymph nodes will also be removed during the operation, if required. At Felix Hospital, we provide minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of early colorectal cancer, and procedures such as Polypectomy and Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) to remove polyps from the inside of the colon.

2. Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is sometimes used before surgery or it is also used after surgery.

3. Radiation therapy: Powerful electronic rays kill the cancer cells. Sometimes it is also used before or after surgery.

4. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins that cause cancer growth. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage caused to the surrounding healthy cells.

5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer.Immunotherapy works well for advanced colorectal cancer patients.

Prevention

There's no sure shot way to prevent colorectal cancer however, there are measures one can take to lower their risk. These include regular colorectal cancer screening, especially if you’re 45 or older and if you have a family history of colorectal cancer and keeping an active lifestyle.  

Meet the Best Doctor at Felix Hospitals

At Felix Hospitals, the best cancer hospital in Noida, our expert team, led by Oncosurgeon Dr. Mukta Baxi and Medical Oncologist Dr. Abhishek Shrivastava specializes in colorectal cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. With state-of-the-art facilities and personalized care, we aim to provide the best outcomes for our patients. Our specialists focus on early detection, minimally invasive treatments, and comprehensive post-treatment support to ensure holistic recovery.

If you've recently been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, book a consultation at Felix Hospitals and access world-class colorectal cancer screening and care. Contact us at: +919667064100

FAQs

1. How can one reduce the risk for colorectal cancer?
Ans: The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to get screened regularly, beginning at age 45.

2. What are my options for colorectal cancer screening?
Ans: Colonoscopy is the most well-known test for colorectal cancer screening. However,   it’s advisable to talk to a specialist about finding the test that’s right for you.

3. What are common colon cancer surgery side effects?
Ans: Nearly any cancer treatment can cause some side effects. And different treatments can cause different side effects. Talk to your cancer specialist about any concerns you have about a specific side effect post colon cancer surgery.

4. Can colorectal cancer be prevented by regular screening?
Ans: Yes, screening is one of the most powerful tools for preventing colorectal cancer. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps which can be removed before they develop into cancer.

5. What is partial colectomy vs. total colectomy?
Ans: During a partial colectomy, a surgeon removes the infected portion of your colon along with a small portion of surrounding healthy tissue. To the contrary, total colectomy involves removal of the entire colon.

7. What is colorectal cancer follow-up care? 
Ans: Post treatment, you will likely have follow-up visits with your cancer specialist for a couple of years depending on the stage and grade of your cancer or chance of recurrence.