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Dr Harsh Shah - Surgical Gastroenterologist and GI Robotic Surgeon, Ahmedabad
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Dr Harsh Shah - Surgical Gastroenterologist and GI Robotic Surgeon, Ahmedabad

Colorectal Cancer

Abdominal Pain? It Could Be a Sign of Intestinal Cancer.

Home > Blogs > Colon Cancer > Overview > Colorectal Cancer

Have you ever wondered what colorectal cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer) is and how it affects your body? In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know in simple words, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. Colorectal cancer is serious, but if detected early, it can often be treated successfully.

Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology), performs colectomy and anterior resection for colorectal cancer at Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar. Consultations: Shah’s Gastro, Cancer & Robotic Surgery Centre, Gota, Ahmedabad.

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Summary

Colorectal cancer happens when abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It can cause changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and stomach pain. The condition can be diagnosed with screening tests and treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, depending on its stage.
  • Causes
Colorectal cancer can develop due to a mix of genetic factors, age, and lifestyle choices. Common causes include a diet high in red meat, lack of exercise, and family history.
  • Symptoms
Symptoms often include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
  • Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose colorectal cancer using tests like colonoscopy, biopsy, and blood tests. Early detection is important for successful treatment.
Colorectal Cancer

Facts

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Symptoms

  • Changes in Bowel Movements
  • Blood in Stool
  • Unexplained Weight Loss
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Tiredness or Weakness
  • Long-term Diarrhea or Constipation
  • Feeling Like the Bowel Isn’t Empty
  • Cramping or Bloating
  • Thin Stools
  • Rectal Bleeding
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Causes

  • Age (50 and Above)
  • Family History
  • High Consumption of Red or Processed Meat
  • Low Fiber Intake
  • Lack of Physical Activity
  • Chronic Bowel Inflammation (IBD)
  • Overweight or Obesity
  • Tobacco Use
  • Excessive Alcohol Consumption
  • Type 2 Diabetes
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Diagnosis

  • Colonoscopy
  • Biopsy
  • Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
  • CT Colonography
  • Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
  • Blood Tests
  • Stool DNA Test
  • Imaging Tests (CT, MRI)
  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Test
  • Digital Rectal Exam
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Treatments

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Ablation or Embolization Procedures
  • Robotic Surgery
  • Palliative Care
  • Clinical Trials
  • Lifestyle Changes (Diet and Exercise)
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Treatment Options and Outcomes

Understanding the different treatment options for colorectal cancer is important for both patients and healthcare providers. This table explains the main treatments, their uses, common side effects, and expected outcomes.
Treatment Indications Common Side Effects Expected Outcomes
Surgery Early-stage cancer, localized tumors Pain, infection, bowel changes Potentially curative if localized
Chemotherapy Advanced or metastatic cancer Nausea, fatigue, hair loss Can shrink tumors, prolong survival
Radiation Therapy Rectal cancer or inoperable tumors Skin irritation, fatigue, bowel issues Tumor shrinkage, symptom control
Targeted Therapy Advanced cancer with specific mutations Diarrhea, high blood pressure, fatigue Tumor control, slow progression
Immunotherapy Advanced cancer with immune markers Immune-related side effects (inflammation) Long-term tumor control in some patients

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

  • What screening tests are appropriate for my age and risk factors?
  • What are the side effects of the treatments you recommend?
  • How can I lower my risk of developing colorectal cancer?
  • Should my family members be tested if I am diagnosed?
  • What lifestyle changes can I make to support my recovery?

Frequently Asked Questions

Colonoscopy is recommended for individuals over 50 or earlier if there's a family history of colorectal cancer. It’s also suggested if you have symptoms such as rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
Yes, colorectal cancer can be inherited. Conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome increase the risk. If there’s a family history of colon cancer, early screening may be advised.
Colorectal cancer can lead to back pain, particularly if it spreads to surrounding organs or the spine. However, back pain typically occurs in advanced stages and is not an early symptom.
Yes, colorectal cancer is treatable, especially when detected early. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes targeted therapy or immunotherapy, depending on the stage of cancer.
Colon cancer occurs in the large intestine, which includes both the colon and the rectum. It can develop in any part of the colon, such as the ascending, transverse, descending, or sigmoid colon.
Colon cancer is becoming more common in India, though still less frequent than in Western countries. The rise in cases is linked to changes in diet, lifestyle, and the aging population.
Colon and rectal cancers are both types of colorectal cancer but are distinct. Colon cancer affects the large intestine, while rectal cancer affects the last part of the intestine (the rectum).
Colon cancer usually develops over many years, starting as small benign polyps. These polyps can slowly turn into cancer over 10 to 15 years, which is why regular screening is important.
Colorectal cancer develops when cells in the colon or rectum grow abnormally and form polyps. Over time, these polyps can become cancerous, often due to genetic changes, lifestyle factors, or inherited risks.
Dr Harsh Shah Robotic Cancer Surgeon

Dr. Harsh Shah

MS, MCh (G I cancer Surgeon)

Dr Harsh Shah is a well known GI & HPB Robotic Cancer Surgeon in ahmedabad. He treats cancers of esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum & small intestines. He is available at Apollo Hospital.

Last Updated on 2 days by Dr Harsh Shah
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Dr Harsh Shah - Surgical Gastroenterologist and GI Robotic Surgeon, Ahmedabad

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