Colon cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It develops in the large intestine (colon) or rectum, often starting as small growths called polyps that may become cancerous over time.
Common Symptoms
- Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhoea)
- Blood in stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Persistent fatigue or anaemia
Many patients may have no symptoms in the early stages, making screening very important.
Who Is at Risk?
- Age above 45 years
- Family history of colon cancer
- Obesity and lack of physical activity
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Diet high in processed and red meat
Diagnosis
Colon cancer is diagnosed using colonoscopy, biopsy, blood tests, and imaging scans such as CT or MRI.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease:
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Surgery:
The main treatment for early-stage colon cancer. The affected part of the colon is removed along with nearby lymph nodes. Nowadays, it is mostly performed by minimally-invasive surgical techniques like laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, and involves minimal morbidity and pain.
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Chemotherapy:
Used after surgery in selected patients or when cancer has spread.
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Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy:
Effective for certain advanced cancers based on specific genetic and molecular characteristics.
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Radiotherapy:
More commonly used for rectal cancer to prevent local recurrences.
Prevention
Regular screening, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco can significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Key Message
When detected early, colon cancer is highly treatable and often curable. Regular screening and awareness of symptoms can save lives.
Dr. Sujay Susikar
Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
Happy Doctors’ Day!
Thank You for Healing with Skill and Compassion.
A Journey of Care, Healing, and Hope.
For a full year, my father-in-law had been suffering from debilitating stomach pain, with no medications offering any relief. When he was finally diagnosed with colon cancer at a local facility, we learned he required immediate surgery. Based on a recommendation from our insurance agency, we were advised to go to Kauvery Hospital and consult Dr. Sujay. Because our family had never been to Kauvery before, we were initially quite skeptical about trusting a completely new hospital at such a critical moment.
However, from our very first meeting, all our apprehensions vanished. Dr. Sujay and his exceptional team attended to every detail with immense care. They gave us the clarity and confidence we desperately needed, assuring us that the surgery would not only resolve the issue but also get him back to a normal, pain-free life.
That assurance became reality. The surgery was conducted with such incredible expertise that my father-in-law was feeling back to his normal self just five days later, completely free from the chronic pain that had plagued him for a year. One year on, he remains perfectly healthy and active.
What truly made this a wonderful experience was the comprehensive, worry-free care. Kauvery managed everything seamlessly—from advanced medical equipment to the patient’s meals, the comfortable stay, and excellent accommodations for the family attendant. We didn’t have to worry about anything. Even after discharge, their consistent follow-up inquiries showed a genuine commitment to his long-term recovery.
From the moment we walked through the doors, we knew we were in safe hands. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Sujay and the entire Kauvery team for turning our initial skepticism into profound gratitude, and for giving my father-in-law his health and comfort back.
