Every March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder for not only education and awareness but also early detection and treatment. Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Despite this, many people neglect their health due to busy lifestyles, postponing routine screenings and ignoring early symptoms. This lack of awareness and urgency can lead to late-stage diagnoses, making treatment more difficult and survival rates lower. Raising awareness is essential to changing this trend and saving lives.
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer starts in either the colon or rectum, often as small noncancerous lumps (polyps) that can be cancerous (malignant) after some time. Screening can help detect and remove these polyps before they ever have a chance to turn cancerous, drastically dropping that risk. But if it turns out to be cancer, then seeking the best medical care possible also makes a difference in treatment outcomes. At TX Hospitals, we have some of the best cancer specialists in Hyderabad, providing sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options to ensure our patients receive the best care available.
Why Awareness Matters
Most people are so busy with work, family and other responsibilities that they do not have time to focus on their health. Unlike more visible illnesses, colorectal cancer progresses silently, often without noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. This is why awareness campaigns are vital—to remind people that timely intervention can be lifesaving.
Reasons why awareness is important:
- Early Detection Saves Lives: When caught early, colorectal cancer has a survival rate of over 90%.
- The Dangers of Delaying Care: Colorectal cancer that is diagnosed at a later stage is more difficult to treat, which is why early detection is so important.
- Benefits from Expert Care: Access to experienced oncologists and advanced medical facilities improves patient outcomes.
- Rise in Young Population: While it was once considered a disease affecting older adults, colorectal cancer rates among younger populations are rising, making awareness even more critical.
Risk Factors
Many things can increase the chance of colorectal cancer, such as:
- Age: Most cases occur in people older than 50, but there are an increasing number of cases in younger adults.
- Family history: A family history can increase the risk.
- Dietary Habits: A diet high in processed and red meats is linked to increased risk.
- Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Physical inactivity and poor eating habits raise the risk of getting colorectal cancer.
- Tobacco and Alcohol Use: These habits encourage the development of malignant colon growths.
- Chronic Conditions: Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis are at higher risk.
Recognizing Symptoms
Because colorectal cancer is often silent in its early stages, routine screenings are essential. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Symptoms like Changes in the consistency or frequency of your stool (diarrhea, constipation or narrow stools )
- Blood or rectal bleeding in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Long-lasting abdominal pain, spasms or gas
- Fatigue or weakness
When these signs are overlooked, a diagnosis is made late with no treatment possible. Contacting the best oncologist in Hyderabad at TX Hospitals is key to discovering the disease in its earliest stages and receiving the best possible treatment.
Prevention Tips
While certain risk factors (such as genetics) are beyond our control, these lifestyle changes can help lower the chances of developing colorectal cancer:
- Increase high fiber in your diet: Make sure you are eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Limited Processed meat and Red meat: The risk increases with increased processed meat consumption.
- Engage in activity: Working out encourages a good digestive system.
- Tobacco and Alcohol: Increasing rate of colorectal cancer is dependent on cigarette use and drinking
- Keep a healthy weight: Obesity was related to many cancers like colon cancer.
Spreading Awareness
Save lives through Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaigns by educating the public on the importance of early detection you can help by:
- Getting Your Family and Friends to Get Screened: So many people avoid screenings simply due to their fear or because they actually don t know that they are able to get screened.
- Attending Awareness Events: You may walk, raise money, and participate in educational programs to help spread awareness.
- Advocacy for Patients and Survivors: A lot of advocacy happens which also means awareness to improve the treatment of those affected.
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer can be prevented, treated and cured if found early; but many patients delay consulting a doctor. TX Hospitals is the best oncology hospitals in Hyderabad which renders quality care by advanced treatment and top oncologists to facilitate the best possible treatment outcomes.
If you or someone close to you may be experiencing symptoms or seeking expert help, do not hesitate to book an appointment with our doctors and specialists based at TX Hospitals. But with early detection and proper treatment, lives can be saved!
