Posted in: Colon Cancer Treatment by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 10 Feb, 2020
Colon cancer is amongst the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. The simple mention of colon cancer can make you feel insecure, scared, and anxious. One major reason for this is the myths associated with colon cancer. The problem is that most of the information out there is at best inaccurate, or at worst dangerously misleading.
There are multiple easy to understand pages about cancer but there are just as many, if not more, pages spreading myths. Hence, these myths can sometimes keep people from taking steps to protect themselves against the disease. Cancer Healer Center exposes some of the popular ones that have been frequently asked about:
Myth: There is no cure for colon cancer
This is absolutely not true. If the cancer is detected early, it is curable in most cases with appropriate colon cancer treatment. Around 90% of the patients with colon cancer that is confined to the rectum or colon can be cured. The only problem is that sometimes the cancer is diagnosed at a later stage since patients do not visit the doctor on time and this spreads cancer beyond the wall of the colon/rectum.
Myth: Having no signs and symptoms means there is no cancer
This is one of the most common misconceptions that the symptoms will be evident if a person has colon cancer. In fact, leading cancer doctors in India say that the most common symptom is no symptom at all. More than half of people diagnosed with colon cancer have no signs. Change in stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss can all be signs of colon cancer. But once these signs begin to develop, it is an indication of a more advanced disease.
Myth: Colonoscopy is the only method to screen colon cancer
Many doctors offering colon cancer treatment in India have said that there are multiple screening options such as faecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and double-contrast barium enema. However, colonoscopy is considered as the standard technique for screening. It is helpful in detecting more cancers, examines the entire colon, and can be used for screening, diagnosis, and eliminating the precancerous polyps.
Myth: Colonoscopy is uncomfortable and unpleasant
The truth is that it is not as bad as you think. During the actual procedure, the patients are tranquillized to avoid and remove any discomfort. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and you can resume the normal activities the next day.
Myth: Everyone must get a colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is recommended for men and women after the age of 45 unless other risk factors exist. If you are 45 or older, you can ask your oncologist about screening. However, if you are younger but have other risk factors such as obesity, smoking, Crohn’s disease, family history of colon cancer - speak with your cancer doctor about the screening needs. But remember, age is the most important risk factor for colon cancer.
Myth: Presence of a polyp definitely means cancer
Many a time, patients get scared assuming the presence of a polyp marks the certainty of cancer. However, polyps are benign growths though some have the potential to turn cancerous and can be easily removed during a colonoscopy.
How to lower your risk of colon cancer?
Get screened
Screenings take place before signs and symptoms develop. The screening tests s for colon cancer help to find growths on the colon or rectum called polyps which can be removed before they turn into cancer. The tests can also find cancer earlier when colon cancer treatment is more likely to be successful.
Cancer Healer Center, a leading cancer hospital in India also recommends testing starting at age 45 for people at average risk; talk to your health care provider about when you should start and which tests might be suitable for you.
Indulge in regular physical activity
The best cancer doctors in India say that lifestyle modifications can lower the risk of cancer and are good for other health concerns and well-being of the individual. If you are not physically active, people are more likely to have a chance to develop colon cancer. Increasing your physical activity may help reduce your risk.
Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
According to cancer experts, diets which include lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked with a decreased risk of colon cancer. Avoid eating less red meat (beef, pork, or lamb) and processed meats (hot dogs and some luncheon meats), which have been linked with an increased risk of colon cancer.
Quit smoking
Long-term smokers have higher chances than non-smokers to develop and die from colon cancer. If you smoke and you want to quit or know someone else who does, getting help increases your chances of quitting successfully if you can’t quit all by yourself.
Keep a check on your weight
Research shows that habits related to diet, weight, and exercise are linked to colorectal cancer risk, and those links are stronger than for other types of cancer. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of getting and dying from the colon or rectal cancer. Eating healthier and increasing your physical activity can help you control your weight.
Limit alcohol intake
Alcohol use has been linked with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. The leading cancer doctors recommend no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.
Have more questions? Get in touch with our cancer experts!
About The Author
Dr. Tarang Krishna
Dr. Tarang Krishna, Director at Cancer Healer Center, is the perfect epitome of perseverance and dedication.
He has an impressive educational background to his credit. He completed his under-graduation in Medicine and Surgery from Pune, India and did his MD (Hom) from Agra University, India.Thesis on MD was on "Treatment of cancer" where he presented cases of almost 100 patients and the response of the medicines in the treatment of cancer. He then completed his Ph.d in Oncology from the United Kingdom and his thesis on the ‘Efficacy of Medicines in the Treatment of Cancer’ is greatly commemorated and honored.
He befittingly represents alternate medicine and has contributed significantly towards the development and research of immunotherapy.
Through his nationwide chain of “Cancer Healer Center” clinics he strives to offer superior cancer treatment, using immunotherapy.
