Imagine a future where colorectal cancer is no longer a leading cause of death. Well, the good news is that with early detection and advancements in treatment, the curability rate has soared to 65%.
The reason for low curability rate is the problem with late detection of colorectal cancer that reduces the chances of successful treatment and increases the risk of complications and mortality.
Early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer offers several advantages.
Firstly, it increases your chances of successful treatment and improves the overall prognosis.
Secondly, it allows for less invasive treatment options, such as minimally invasive surgery or endoscopic procedures, which can lead to faster recovery and can help to reduce complications.
Thirdly, early detection enables the possibility of preserving organ function and avoiding the need for more radical treatment which can lead to a longer healing time for you.
Moving further, let us learn about colorectal cancer in detail.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer or colon cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It typically starts as a growth called a polyp, which can become cancerous over time. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and it can cause symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer ?
The causes of colorectal cancer can vary, and there are several risk factors that have been identified. Here are some of the common causes and risk factors associated with colorectal cancer:
Age
The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. If you are 50 years or above, you have a greater chance of developing colorectal cancer.
Family history
Having a family history of colorectal cancer can increase your risk. If you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colorectal cancer, your risk is higher. The risk is even higher if multiple family members have been diagnosed with the disease, especially at a young age.
Genetic factors
Certain genetic syndromes, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome), can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. These syndromes are caused by specific gene mutations that are inherited.
Personal history of polyps
If you have previously had colorectal polyps, your risk of developing the disease again is higher.Chronic inflammatory conditions of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Lifestyle factors
Certain lifestyle choices and habits can contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. These include:
- Lack of regular physical activity
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
- A diet high in processed meats and red meats
- A high-fat and low-fiber diet
- Overweight or obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
What are the Stages of Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is divided into stages to determine the extent of the disease and guide treatment decisions. The most commonly used staging system for colorectal cancer is the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system. Here are the stages of colorectal cancer:
- Stage 0: Also known as carcinoma in situ or colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia, this stage indicates that the cancer is confined to the innermost lining of the colon or rectum and has not spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
- Stage I: At this stage, the cancer has grown through the inner lining of the colon or rectum into the deeper layers, but it has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.
- Stage II: In stage II, the cancer has grown through the wall of the colon or rectum and may have invaded nearby tissues, but it has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites.
- Stage III: At this stage, the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not spread to distant sites. Stage III is further divided into subcategories (A, B, and C) based on the number of lymph nodes involved and the extent of their involvement.
- Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage of colorectal cancer. It indicates that the cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues, such as the liver, lungs, peritoneum, or other distant lymph nodes. Stage IV is also divided into subcategories (A, B, and C) based on the extent of metastasis.
What is the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer?
The treatment of colorectal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, and the location of the tumor. The main treatment options for colorectal cancer include:
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for colorectal cancer. It involves removing the tumor and nearby lymph nodes. The extent of surgery depends on the stage and location of the cancer. In some cases, a minimally invasive approach, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, may be used.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It is often used before or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence or to treat advanced-stage colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. You may be given chemotherapy orally or intravenously.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. You may be given radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy for rectal cancer to shrink the tumor before surgery or to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy drugs specifically target certain molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth. For example, drugs that target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be used in combination with chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is a newer treatment option for colorectal cancer and is typically used for advanced-stage cancers that have specific genetic mutations.
What are the Survival Chances for Colorectal Cancer ?
The survival rates for colorectal cancer vary depending on several factors, including the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. It’s important to note that survival rates are estimates based on groups of people with similar characteristics and may not reflect your individual prognosis. Here are some survival statistics for colorectal cancer:
Stage 0
The 5-year relative survival rate for stage 0 colorectal cancer is typically around 90% or higher. This means that about 90% of people with stage 0 colorectal cancer are expected to survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis.
Stage I
The 5-year relative survival rate for stage I colorectal cancer is generally around 80%. This means that about 80% of people with stage I colorectal cancer may survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis.
Stage II
The 5-year relative survival rate for stage II colorectal cancer is around 55%. This suggests that about 55% of people with stage II colorectal cancer have chances of survival for at least 5 years after diagnosis.
Stage III
The 5-year relative survival rate for stage III colorectal cancer is generally around 30%. This means that about 30% of people with stage III colorectal cancer are expected to survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis.
Stage IV
The 5-year relative survival rate for stage IV colorectal cancer is around 15%. This means that about 15% of people with stage IV colorectal cancer are expected to survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis. However, it’s important to note that survival rates can vary widely depending on the extent of your metastasis.
MedicoExperts Tumour Board – A ray of light in advanced colorectal cancer treatment
MedicoExperts Tumour Board is a multidisciplinary team of highly qualified cancer experts who collaborate to provide comprehensive evaluations and recommend the best treatment approach for you.
The Tumour Board approach involves doctors from multiple specialties, such as medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other relevant specialists, who work together to evaluate your medical condition and diagnosis.
By considering various perspectives and expertise, the Tumour Board aims to achieve the best possible outcomes for your loved ones with advanced colorectal cancer.
The Tumour Board reviews your case and discusses the available treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other advanced treatment modalities.
They consider factors such as the stage of the cancer and any specific characteristics of the tumor. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, the Tumour Board recommends a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
This collaborative approach can lead to improved treatment outcomes and potentially higher survival rates for your dear ones with advanced colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer is curable, especially when detected at an early stage. Early detection plays a crucial role in improving survival rates and overall prognosis. Regular screening for colorectal cancer allows for the identification of precancerous polyps or early-stage cancer before it has a chance to spread.
This early detection enables more effective treatment options and increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.
Studies have shown that early detection screenings and advancements in treatment options have reduced colorectal cancer mortality rates. Therefore, it is important to prioritize early detection through recommended screening guidelines and consult with healthcare providers like MedicoExperts for appropriate screening options based on individual risk factors and age.
FAQ :
Q1. Can you live a long life after colon cancer?
You can live a long life after colon cancer, if you take the medical assistance for your disease from the right hospital. However, Stage IV colon cancer is challenging to cure completely and definitely requires the assistance of MedicoExperts Tumour Board.
Q2. Can colon cancer be cured permanently?
Stage I – III colorectal cancer has a high chance of cure as compared to Stage IV.
Complete remission of your cancer is possible if it can be treated surgically.
Q3. What is the survival rate of colorectal cancer?
The five year survival rate of colon cancer depends on the stage of cancer and varies from 15% to 90%.
Written by Dr Subhamoy Mukherjee, Ph.D. (Oncology).
Dr Subhamoy is a molecular oncologist and worked with genomic profiles of patients. He has 8 years of experience in scientific writing and patient data analysis. He takes strong interest in making people aware of the different diagnostic and treatment approaches of cancer through his informative articles and blogs.
