Bowel disorders are serious, say docs

With the common symptoms of colon cancer ranging from a change in bowel habits, diarrhoea and constipation to the narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days, many tend to ignore the signs as mere digestive issues. 

However, doctors state that it could be a larger problem, which is a point of concern. Stating that colon and rectal cancers affect even those who are young and middle-aged, Dr K Raja, an oncologist, said, “In India, a lot of colon cancer cases are wrongly identified as piles for which surgical treatments are offered, causing a delay in the diagnosis in at least 80 per cent of the cases.”

Dr Parvathy S, a surgical oncologist said, “Many youngsters today, who move out of their homes for education and the like, tend to become victims of a severe change in eating habits. This change not only causes small digestive problems, but if ignored, it can prove fatal. Therefore, it is extremely important to watch our diet, meal timings and keep a look out for the presence of such symptoms–however small they may be.”

“It is essential to keep a check on colon health and not brush aside the signs and symptoms from faecal matter from time to time,” said Dr K Raja.

Stating that this trend is seeing an increase in India, he added, “Colorectal cancer is one of the slowest growing cancers. Besides the small symptoms, it doesn’t show many signs of being present in one’s body. However, like other cancers, it can be completely cured if it is detected early. With our lifestyle habits, digestive problems are on the rise and such issues are not seen amid elderly people but among youngsters as well.”