Colon

Colon Cancer

Cancer of the large intestine, one of the most common cancers globally with excellent outcomes if caught early.

Overview

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. In India, its incidence is rising rapidly due to changing dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. Early detection through screening significantly improves survival — 5-year survival exceeds 90% for Stage I disease.

Causes

Adenomatous polyps (precancerous)
Genetic mutations (APC, KRAS, TP53)
Familial syndromes (FAP, Lynch syndrome)
Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
High red/processed meat consumption
Low fiber diet

Risk Factors

Age over 50
Family history of colorectal cancer
Personal history of polyps
Inflammatory bowel disease (UC, Crohn's)
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Smoking and heavy alcohol use
Type 2 diabetes

Symptoms

Change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)

Blood in stool (dark or bright red)

Unexplained weight loss

Persistent abdominal cramps or pain

Feeling bowel doesn't empty completely

Iron deficiency anemia

Fatigue and weakness

Diagnosis

Colonoscopy with biopsy (gold standard)
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
CEA tumor marker
CT scan chest/abdomen/pelvis for staging
PET-CT for advanced disease
MRI pelvis (for rectal cancer)

Treatment Options

1Surgical resection (right/left/sigmoid colectomy)

2Laparoscopic colectomy (minimally invasive)

3Chemotherapy (adjuvant or neoadjuvant)

4Targeted therapy

5Immunotherapy for MSI-high tumors

6Radiation (for rectal cancer)

Surgical Treatment

Dr. Bhagat performs laparoscopic colectomy (right hemicolectomy, left hemicolectomy, sigmoid colectomy, anterior resection) with complete mesocolic excision (CME) ensuring adequate lymph node harvest. For rectal cancer, total mesorectal excision (TME) is the gold standard. Minimally invasive approaches offer less pain, faster recovery, and equivalent oncological outcomes.

Recovery

Laparoscopic colectomy: 4-6 days hospital stay, liquid diet from day 1-2, normal diet by day 5-7. Return to normal activities in 3-4 weeks. Full recovery in 6 weeks. Adjuvant chemotherapy if indicated starts 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Prevention

Colonoscopy screening from age 45 (or earlier with family history)
High-fiber diet (25-30g daily)
Regular exercise
Maintain healthy weight
Limit red/processed meat
Avoid smoking and excess alcohol
Aspirin (discuss with doctor)

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I get screened for colon cancer?

General population: start at age 45 with colonoscopy every 10 years. If you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer, start screening 10 years before their age of diagnosis, or at age 40 — whichever is earlier.

Can colon cancer be cured?

Yes, especially when caught early. Stage I and II colon cancers have cure rates above 80-90% with surgery alone. Even Stage III has 50-70% cure rates with surgery plus chemotherapy.

Expert Consultation Available

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Surgical Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should I get screened for colon cancer?

Can colon cancer be cured?

Yes, especially when caught early. Stage I and II colon cancers have cure rates above 80-90% with surgery alone. Even Stage III has 50-70% cure rates with surgery plus chemotherapy.