Colorectal cancer

Preventable and Treatable with Age

Colorectal cancer is commonly encountered among people who are older than 50 years. Although it is a life-threatening disease, there are several ways to prevent or treat it.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer. This disease begins in the large intestine, the cells that are releasing mucus and other fluids might mutate and develop certain polyps. These polyps can be detected by colorectal cancer screening tests before they become cancerous. However, it is possible that they can turn into uncontrollably growing cancerous tumors without early detection.

What causes colorectal cancer?

So, how do you get colorectal cancer? What exactly colorectal cancer causes is not precisely known. However, some types of lifestyle choices might contribute to the development of the cancerous cells such as

Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Low-fiber, high-fat diet
Sedentary lifestyle

Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
Excessively consuming processed meats
Lack of regular exercise

Although these lifestyle preferences can be causes of colorectal cancer, these are not the only factors that cause cancer. Besides inherited conditions like a family history of cancer or polyps, other diseases might induce colorectal cancer. Some of the diseases that are risk factors for colon cancer are:

Inflammatory bowel disease
Obesity
Diabetes

What are the benefits of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery provides several benefits beyond what you might think:

Post-cataract surgery, your vision will become steadier and more clear.
Your night vision will improve as there will be less glare in your eyes.
You will see colors more vividly and clearly after the artificial lens is implanted in your eyes.
Farsightedness caused by presbyopia will be treated after cataract surgery.

Preparation before cataract surgery

To be able to undergo the procedure, you must first make an appointment with your surgeon. While your surgeon is providing you with medical consultation, explain in detail the information about your medications and medical history. During the appointment, your surgeon will measure visual impairment in your eye, allowing for determining the type of lens based on whether you are nearsighted or farsighted. After that, your surgeon may prescribe eye drops to against infections or diseases one week before the surgery.

If you are taking any medication that may cause bleeding before surgery, your surgeon may ask you to stop taking this medication for a certain period. If you wear glasses in your daily life, you can also listen to the cataract surgery side effects and post-operative healing process from the doctor in advance. Finally, you should make sure that your eyelids and eyelashes are completely clean before surgery.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer can manifest itself in the body in several ways. Some of the colorectal cancer symptoms can be listed as:

Unexpected weight loss
Constant change in bowel habits
Vomiting periodically
Belly (abdominal) pain
Rectal bleeding
Fatigue
Feeling short of breath
Feeling uncomfortable in the abdominal area such as bloating, fullness, cramps, and gas pains

Colorectal Cancer Early Symptoms

Early colorectal cancer symptoms can manifest themselves by these factors
Blood in the stool
Excessive gas
Constipation
Cramps in the abdominal area

If you have concerns about whether you might have colorectal cancer or not, please consult your healthcare providers as soon as possible.

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Stages of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer proceeds step by step. It consists of 4 stages other than the earliest stage which is referred to as stage 0. In stage 0, there are precancerous cells in the mucosa. Other developed colorectal cancer stages can be detected as follows:

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Stage 1 colorectal cancer

In this stage, cancer is grown into the intestine walls but it doesn’t go close to lymph nodes or muscular coat.

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Stage 2 colorectal cancer

This stage refers to the cancer that is spread in all intestinal folds but has not yet reached lymph nodes.

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Stage 3 colorectal cancer

This is the stage in which the cancer cells reach the lymph nodes.

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Stage 4 colorectal cancer

The cancerous cells spread into the organs like the lungs or peritoneum in this stage. It is also known as metastasizing to other areas of the body.

Diagnosis

Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed with several different tests and techniques including:

Biopsy
Ultrasound
PET scan (Positron emission tomography)
Blood tests
Biomarker testing of the tumor
CT or CAT scan (Computed tomography)
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
Colonoscopy
Chest x-ray

After also looking at the medical and family history, symptoms, age, and general health besides the results that will come from these tests, doctors will determine the type of disease or the stage of colorectal cancer that you are in.

Preparation before the colorectal cancer surgery

A clean and empty bowel is necessary for this type of surgery. The patients should also follow the special diet that is given by the healthcare provider.

To clean all the stool from the colon before the surgery, drinking laxatives or using an enema might be required.

In addition to these preparations, you’ll be asked to quit taking some specific medicines like blood thinners before the surgery.

Colorectal cancer treatment

One of the most wondered questions about colorectal cancer is of course if can colorectal cancer be cured. NCI Data indicated that the colorectal cancer survival rate is about 65%. One should keep in mind the fact that how early you go to your doctor for consulting for the symptoms that might the colorectal cancer symptoms is crucial to getting rid of this disease.

First of all, your healthcare provider will determine the kind of treatment that is suitable for you according to your medical status and overall health. The patients can be treated with surgery involving colostomy, robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or radiofrequency ablation.

Besides treating the cancer with surgery, other kinds of treatments are

Radiation therapy: Eliminating cancer cells with high-energy X-rays.
Chemotherapy: Getting rid of the cancerous cells with medicine. It is also used to avoid the spreading of the cells.
Targeted therapy: This type of therapy deals with the specific proteins, tissues, and genes that contribute to the growth of cancerous cells. It is used to prevent the spread of cancer cells.

The type of treatment that will be performed differs according to the stage of the colorectal cancer.

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Stage 0 colorectal cancer treatment

It is usually treated with a polypectomy, or removing the polyps while performing a colonoscopy. This stage doesn’t require surgery if the polyp can be entirely removed.

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Stage 1 Colorectal Cancer Treatment

This stage requires surgery in general to remove the tumor. Although patients don’t need chemotherapy, it depends on what happens after the surgery.

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Stage 2 Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Surgery is the initial treatment for this stage. However, chemotherapy can be required after the surgery in combination with radiation therapy.

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Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Treatment for stage 3 is generally surgery with chemotherapy with radiation therapy similar to stage 2. Clinical trials can also be chosen. However, the duration of chemotherapy depends on the possibility of recurrence of the cancerous cells.

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Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer Treatment

This stage is also known as metastatic colorectal cancer which indicates the cancerous cells spreading to other parts of the body. Doctors determine the best type of treatment to perform following the individual’s situation. So, it is different for everybody. Chemotherapy is given both before and after the surgery to shrink the cancerous cells. Additionally, clinical trials and radiation therapy can be used. Radiofrequency ablation or cryosurgery is chosen for those who are not able to get surgery.

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Recovery after colorectal cancer treatments

There can be some side effects regarding the surgery, chemotherapy, and the like.

Chemotherapy side effects include nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, or numbness in feet or hands.

Surgery side effects might involve constipation, diarrhea, pain, and tenderness in addition to irritation near the stone caused by colostomy.

Colorectal cancer can also be a burden emotionally. In this process,

Keeping family and friends close to help you,
Talking and venting to someone about the situation you are in,
Knowing the process of the treatment and how the cancer works

can help you while you are in the process of healing.

Candidates:	People who have cancerous cells in the intestine.
Procedure:	Surgery or therapies like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Duration:	About 3 hours
Stay:	2-4 Days
Anesthesia:	General

Recovery:	6 weeks
Exercise:	Avoiding heavy activities
Scars:	Small scars if laparoscopic surgery is operated.
Pain:	High level for 48 hours

Why should you get colorectal cancer treatment in Turkey?

Turkey is a popular destination for its coordinated healthcare system as well as high-skilled surgeons. There are several reasons one can decide to be treated for colorectal cancer in Turkey. It is especially appealing when compared to the slow-functioning health systems of the UK, the US, and European countries.

Colorectal cancer treatment cost in Turkey

Colorectal cancer treatment costs differ according to the additional treatments, and the required type of treatment for the specific stage of the cancer. However, due to its currency, the costs in Turkey are affordable compared to the other developed countries. In addition to being affordable, Turkey also provides numerous economical options for treatment with the highest technology.

FAQ

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Is colorectal cancer treatable?

Colorectal cancer is considered to be treatable when it is localized to the bowel. However, recurrence of the cancer should always be considered after the surgery.

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How common is colorectal cancer?

While it is more common among men than women, it is the 4th most commonly encountered cancer.

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Is colorectal cancer deadly?

Unfortunately, it can be deadly in some cases but not all.

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Does colorectal cancer hurt?

Yes, one of the symptoms of colorectal cancer is pain.

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How fast does colorectal cancer grow?

The polyps might turn into cancerous cells over up to 10-15 years.

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Can colorectal cancer cause back pain?

Although it is rare, the cancer might spread to the spine and cause pain.