Colon Cancer is the 5th most common Cancer in India

~Awareness program on the signs of Colon cancer – timely detection and prevention ~

Kolkata, 12th April 2022: Medica Superspecialty Hospital, the largest private hospital chain in Eastern India, has been concentrating on efforts on spreading awareness regarding preventive measures and treatments for cancer and shared crucial information regarding colon cancer via a Facebook live. The live was hosted by Dr. Pradeepta Kumar Sethy, Director - Gastroenterology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, along with Dr. Arindam Mondal, Consultant -Surgical Oncology (GI & Thoracic) MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) at Medica Superspecialty Hospital. The topic of discussion was Colon Cancer: Who is at risk?

Addressing the topic, Dr. Arindam Mondal, Consultant -Surgical Oncology (GI & Thoracic) MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology) at Medica Superspecialty hospital, stated “Colon cancer can be detected from several crucial symptoms in patients. In the early stages, there is often a change in bowel habits (constipation or loose stools), black-colored stools, or frank bleeding from the cancer-causing tumor inside the colon. In more advanced stages, patients may suffer from fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, causing respiratory problems, jaundice, or pain in the bones. It is important that these symptoms not be ignored, as early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of complete recovery. The other component of early diagnosis is a screening of high-risk individuals, with a family history of colon cancer. It is recommended that these individuals get routine checkups so that even if they develop cancer, it can be detected even before the onset of any symptoms.”

Further, Dr. Pradeepta Kumar Sethy, Director - Gastroenterology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, added, “Any sudden occurrence of irregular bowel habits such as loose motions, could also be an indication of colon cancer. Individuals over the age of 40, with a family history of polyp, are also at risk. There is a direct correlation between obesity and colon cancer, so it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise. If one’s parents or close relatives were diagnosed with colon cancer early in life, they should start the screening process a decade before their relatives were suspected to have cancer. Autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases also increase the risk of colon cancer.”

Dr. Sethy and Dr. Mondal harped and engaged the audience by stating important facts like Colon cancer typically affects older adults, though it can happen at any age, thus preventive measures are crucial.  In India, the annual incidence rates (AARs) for colon cancer in men are 4.4 per 100000. The AAR for colon cancer in women is 3.9 per 100000. Colon cancer ranks 8th among men. If colon cancer develops, many treatments are available to help control it, including surgery, radiation therapy, and drug treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Experts assure that with early diagnosis, it is possible to beat colon cancer and patients can go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives, with regular checkups. 

About Medica Group of Hospitals: 

Medica Group of Hospitals, one of the major and fast-growing chains of hospitals in Eastern India today, has built and managed numerous healthcare facilities across the Eastern region over the past few years. The healthcare chain launched its operations with Medica North Bengal Clinic (MNBC) in Siliguri in 2008 and soon followed up with its flagship Hospital – Medica Superspecialty Hospital (MSH) – in Kolkata in 2010. The group has footprints in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam