Colon Cancer: Know Early Symptoms To Stay Safe
1/7
The untimely passing of television actor Vibhu Raghave due to colon cancer has brought renewed attention to a disease that often goes undetected until its later stages. Known for his roles in popular Indian television shows, Vibhu Raghave had been vocal about his diagnosis, sharing parts of his journey with fans. His death is a stark reminder of the importance of recognising early symptoms and the need for timely medical screening.
2/7
Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the colon (large intestine). This term encompasses both colon cancer and rectal cancer (which starts in the rectum). According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the fourth most common form of cancer in the United States.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that approximately 1 in 24 men and 1 in 26 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime, with around 7 out of 10 cases starting in the colon. Researchers at the Delhi State Cancer Institute have identified several lifestyle-related risk factors for colon cancer, including an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, consumption of processed foods, smoking, alcohol intake, and high stress levels. In some cases, genetic predispositions may also play a role in the development of colon or rectal cancer.
Warning signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer can be subtle but are critical to recognise. One common misconception is that blood in the stool is always due to piles (haemorrhoids). However, bleeding associated with colon cancer tends to be darker, unlike the bright red blood from piles.
5/7
Persistent diarrhoea or constipation, prolonged lower abdominal pain, and chronic fatigue caused by anaemia linked to blood loss are also potential indicators. Other concerning symptoms include ongoing nausea, unexplained weight loss, and changes in stool colour or bowel habits. Medical consultation is advised if any of these symptoms are present.
The National Library of Medicine has noted a growing incidence of colon cancer in India, especially in urban areas. The current rate stands at 7.2 per 100,000 men and 5.1 per 100,000 women. Experts attribute this rise to lifestyle factors such as low dietary fibre, high consumption of red and processed meats, lack of physical activity, and elevated stress levels.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
39 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Supply shortage forces SCTIMST doctors to call off neuro-interventional procedures indefinitely
Shortage or near-total unavailability of necessary materials for neuro Cath laboratories—high-end specialised catheters, stents and specialised soft platinum coils used for endovascular coiling to treat brain aneurysms—has led clinicians at the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) to call off all scheduled neuro-interventional procedures from next week, throwing patient care into disarray. Many patients who were scheduled to undergo interventional procedures from this weekend, after being on the waiting list for long, were informed in the eleventh hour that their procedures were being suspended and that they would have to seek treatment elsewhere. The decision to suspend all peripheral and neuro-interventional procedures at the SCTIMST from June 9 was taken by the doctors at the Department of Imaging Sciences (IS) and Interventional Radiology (IR). They pointed out that they were unable to perform routine and emergency interventional procedures because the manufacturers had withdrawn all supplies from the Cath labs. In a letter to the Director of the SCTIMST on Friday, the doctors said that they had been repeatedly reminding the administration since November 2023 that essential intervention materials for the Cath labs of the IS and IR department were going short. They said that they were using the bare minimum resources to continue doing the neuro-intervention procedures. The doctors pointed out that they had taken up this issue with the administration multiple times and even suggested possible solutions. Yet, 'the current administration had not been able to maintain the operational needs of one of the institute's key departments, one that has played a foundational role in advancing endovascular interventions in the country,' they said. They refused to resume interventional procedures till regular and adequate supply of necessary materials was restored. Mostly imported According to sources, the problem of shortage of supplies arose because the rate contract for medical supplies was not renewed after 2023 and the contract rates were being extended. Most of the materials used for neuro-intervention procedures are imported and after import prices went up, the manufacturers and suppliers refused to continue supplying the same at the rates quoted in 2023. 'The Union government wants all public procurement to go through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal for more streamlined and transparent procurement but there have been many quality concern issues, technical rejections due to non-conformance to specifications and so on, leading to huge delays in procurement. On the other hand, there are no Indian-made substitutes for the kind of Cath lab materials that the IR dept needs. It is unusual for doctors at the SCTIMST to show open defiance but the Radiology department felt that they were driven to the wall,' a senior doctor at the SCTIMST told The Hindu. The SCTIMST administration officials said that till now, as an autonomous institution, the doctors at the SCTIMST had a say regarding purchases. 'However, from May 2023, it is mandatory that all public procurements be made through the GeM portal. The current stalemate over procurement has all to do with the shifting over to the new purchase system. It is very cumbersome and there are many process delays, especially when some of the items that Radiology needs are customised. Our doctors are very upset and it is hurting our patients but we need time to tide over this mess,' an administrative official said. Institute's statement The SCTIMST later issued a statement that due to the ongoing streamlining of the procurement process of interventional devices, 'there will be a rescheduling of certain neuro-interventional procedures.'
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Adnan Sami's Doctor Told His Parents They'd Find Him Dead In 6 Months: 'It Was A Shock'
Last Updated: Adnan Sami opens up on losing 120 kg naturally after a powerful message from his father and a doctor's At the height of his musical success, singer Adnan Sami was silently fighting a life-threatening health battle. Weighing 230 kgs, he was at serious risk—but didn't take it seriously until a powerful conversation with his father became the wake-up call he needed. In a recent chat with India TV, Adnan opened up about his past struggles and how he turned his life around. Despite his weight causing severe discomfort and health issues, Adnan Sami admitted he wasn't initially worried. Recalling a moment at the doctor's clinic, he said, 'Doctors told me that my results are on the borderline. They said, 'If you continue this lifestyle, I will not be surprised that your parents will find you dead in a hotel room six months from now.' It was a shock for me but I was angry because he said this in front of my father. I told my father to ignore the doctor as they tend to be melodramatic." Instead of changing, Adnan reacted by indulging further. 'After visiting the doctor, I went straight to a bakery and ate half of their goods. My father was looking at me with anger and he asked, 'Aren't you scared of God?' He rebuked me for ignoring what the doctor said and I told him, 'Doctors keep saying things.'" But what truly hit home was a heartfelt plea from his father later that evening. 'My father told me, 'I am asking only for one thing from you, Please don't have me bury my own child. You have to bury me and not the other way around.' I saw tears in his eyes and I promised him to lose weight. Then I reduced 120 kg." The weight also affected his basic functioning. 'For many years, I couldn't sleep while lying down because when I would lay down the fat in my body would put pressure on my lungs and I would find it difficult to breathe. This caused more complications, I had water retention in my legs because of the weight and I suffered from Lymphedema." There were rumours that his transformation was the result of weight-loss surgery. Adnan shut those down. 'My nutritionist gave me a high-protein diet, excluding sugar, alcohol, rice, bread, alcohol, oil, and it was a very high-protein diet. I went on the diet and I started reducing weight. I reduced 20 kgs in the first month of following the diet." Adnan Sami songs Adnan Sami is known for his soulful voice and hit songs that blend Indian and Western styles. Tracks like Lift Karade, Kabhi To Nazar Milao, and Tera Chehra made him a household name in the early 2000s. First Published:
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Highly Transmissible New Covid-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 Found In The UK; What Are The Symptoms?
After India, China, the US and many other countries, the new Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 has been detected in the UK. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that NB.1.8.1 has triggered a sharp rise in hospitalisations across China. India is also witnessing an uptick in Covid-19 cases with 5364 active covid cases as of Friday morning. Around 500 fresh infections were reported in the past 24 hours with Kerala being the most affected state followed by Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi, according to the Health Ministry Data. Is the new variant dangerous? NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the Omicron family. Like other Omicron sub-variants, NB.1.8.1 appears to be highly transmissible. The strain was first detected in the US between late March and early April among international travellers arriving at US airports. The World Health Organisation has classified NB.1.8.1 as Variants Under Monitoring, not as Variants of Concern or Variants of Interest. However, it is important to follow all precautions as it is spreading rapidly. What are the symptoms of NB.1.8.1? The new variant does not have any unique characteristics. Symptoms are generally mild to moderate. However, elderly and immune-compromised people remain at higher risk for severe disease. Infected individuals have reported the following symptoms so far: Fever Dry cough Sore throat Headaches Loss of appetite Body aches Fatigue Loss of taste and smell Runny nose Who is at a higher risk? According to experts, the NB.1.8.1 sub-variant does not cause serious illness. Symptoms are usually mild to moderate. However, individuals with pre-existing conditions, unvaccinated persons, people with weekend immunity and older adults are at a higher risk of serious illness. What should you do? "There's no need to panic. To protect ourselves and those around us, it's important to practice good respiratory hygiene. This includes wearing a mask, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and maintaining a safe distance where possible. It may be wise to avoid non-essential travel, large gatherings, and outings for the time being," said Dr. Sharad Joshi, Director & HOD, Pulmonology and Paediatric Pulmonology, Max Healthcare. Health experts in the US have emphasised that while NB.1.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe illness, it is spreading faster than earlier variants.
