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Tag: Symptoms

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Understanding Colorectal Cancer: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention

Dec 2, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Prevention, #Risks, #Symptoms

Dr. V S N RAO, CONSULTANT - RADIATION ONCOLOGIST

Dr. V S N Rao, Chief Radiation Oncologist,  Director – Medical Services & HOD – Radiation Oncology,HCG Cancer Centre, Vijayawada

Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in preventing colorectal cancer. By incorporating healthy habits into our daily routine, we can reduce our risk and improve overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in fiber, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are all crucial steps in protecting ourselves against colorectal cancer. In addition to these lifestyle changes, understanding risk factors, recognizing symptoms, and undergoing regular screening can save lives.

Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It occurs when abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Several factors increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Age is a significant factor, with risk increasing after 50 years. A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps in first-degree relatives also raises the risk. Additionally, genetic conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) can increase susceptibility. Lifestyle factors, including a low-fiber, high-fat diet, physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking, also contribute to the risk.

Recognizing Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Early-stage colorectal cancer often has no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, warning signs may appear. These include blood in the stool, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain or cramping, weakness and fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. It is essential to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms persist.

The Importance of Screening and Diagnosis

Regular screening can detect colorectal cancer in its early stages, significantly improving treatment outcomes. Adults 50 and older should undergo colonoscopy every 10 years, while annual fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and computed tomography (CT) colonography every five years are also recommended.

Prevention through Lifestyle Changes

Reducing the risk of colorectal cancer requires adopting healthy lifestyle habits. A balanced diet rich in fiber and low in fat, regular exercise of at least 30 minutes per day, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can significantly lower the risk.

Stages and Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is staged from I to IV, depending on the extent of tumor growth and spread. Treatment options vary based on the stage and severity of the disease. Surgery is often the primary treatment, involving the removal of tumors and affected tissue. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy may also be employed to kill cancer cells and prevent recurrence.

Current Research and Advances in Colorectal Cancer

Ongoing research focuses on genetic testing to identify high-risk individuals, immunotherapy to boost the immune response, and personalized medicine to tailor treatment approaches. These advancements hold promise for improving diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Colorectal cancer is a preventable and treatable disease.

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Blood Cancer Awareness Month: The Need to Recognize Symptoms of the Disease

Sep 30, 2024 by Sujata 0 Comments #Symptoms

Different types of blood cancers affect the function of blood cells and can disrupt the body’s ability to fight infections, regulate bleeding and maintain a healthy bone marrow. Chronic leukemia is a type of blood cancer that grows slowly and does not have any recognizable symptoms. But others like acute leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma can present a variety of symptoms, recognizing which becomes essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. This listicle will talk about 7 most common symptoms noticed in people suffering from blood cancer.

1. Excess Fatigue and Tiredness – When no amount of rest will seem enough with a constant feeling of weakness that doesn’t improve, it can be a key indicator of blood cancer. Anemia is responsible for this symptom and is characterized by insufficient red cells to oxygenate the body because of the higher energy requirements to fight the illness. Simple things like walking may become harder and harder for an average patient until even moving slightly is met with fatigue.

2. Increased Infections – Blood diseases can render the immune system ineffective and thus can increase the chances of people suffering from infections. Common infections like colds, flu, and other related sicknesses tend to affect the individual for longer than usual. This can be indicative enough, that the individual is suffering from more than what is visible.

3. Unexplained Bruises or Bleeding – Some people might notice deep bruises appearing for no apparent reason. Few people may also tend to bleed longer than usual after small injuries. Frequent episodes of nose bleeds or bleeding from the gums are also noticed. These symptoms indicate that there is an issue with the clotting ability of the blood, thus increasing the risk of suffering from blood cancer.

4. Enlarged Lymph Nodes – Lymph Nodes are small bean-shaped structures that aid in removing poisons and other microorganisms from the blood. Growth of these lymph nodes especially in the neck, armpits and groin area of a person, can lead to him/her running the risk of developing lymphoma or any other such hematological illness. People may confuse the swelling for something else as it is painless and can linger for several weeks.

5. Unintentional Weight Loss – Losing more than 10% of one’s body weight over a short period of time – without changes in diet or physical activity can be a cause of concern. In many cases, it may be associated with reduced appetite or altered perception of food. But for people suffering from blood cancer, due to a condition called cachexia wherein the body breaks down muscle and fat tissue for energy, people also tend to abnormally lose weight. If anyone is suffering from these symptoms, it is advisable that they consult a doctor immediately.

6. Night Sweats – Many people experience excessive sweating caused by hot flashes. But waking up sweating excessively, especially at night is different and can be a matter of concern. Along with disturbing the sleep cycle, people who experience this phenomenon can also have anxiety attacks and is considered to be a symptom of blood cancer as well.

7. Pale Skin – People suffer from paleness apart from being tired or fatigued. In case an individual finds a swelling in his or her skin in addition to it being pale and the color of their gums getting lighter than usual, it could indicate towards anemia. Elbows and knees often thicken or swell up when a person is suffering from blood cancer due to the low levels of red blood cells present.

Being aware of these symptoms and timely recognition of the same can help people in early diagnosis and treatment. The signs listed can become important indicators about whatever is amiss in the body and will be crucial for people to significantly improve outcomes and the quality of life.

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Understanding Hepatitis A; Causes, Symptoms, Prevention

Jul 29, 2024 by Mansi 0 Comments #Causes, #Dr. Charles Panackel, #Hepatitis A, #Prevention, #Symptoms

Dr Charles

Dr. Charles Panackel, Senior Consultant – Hepatology- Aster Medcity- Kochi.

Understanding Hepatitis A; Causes, Symptoms, Prevention

Have you ever gotten sick after traveling to a new place? It might not have been just unfamiliar food. Hepatitis A, a highly contagious viral disease, can spread easily through contaminated water and food. Unsafe water and food can put you at risk leading to inflammation of the liver and can cause mild to severe illness.

There are 5 types of Hepatitis virus ranging from type A to E. unlike Hepatitis B and C Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic liver disease. The good news is, while highly contagious it is a preventable infection. Majority of people who gets infected with Hepatitis A makes a full recovery within 6-8 weeks and develops a lifelong immunity. Hepatitis A & E virus primarily spread through food and water contaminated with faecal matters.

Causes of Hepatitis A

  • Contaminated water: Hepatitis A virus can survive in sewage-contaminated or inadequately treated water for extended periods. Drinking contaminated water can directly infect a person.
  • Contaminated food: Fruits, vegetables, or shellfish washed with contaminated water can become carriers of the virus.
  • Direct contact with an infected person.
  • Poor hand hygiene

Symptoms of Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A infection can range from mild to severe, and some people, especially young children, may not experience any symptoms at all. However, symptoms, typically appear within 2 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus. This is known as the incubation period (2-6 weeks) during which it replicates throughout the body. Most people recover within 2 months while some people may experience it up to 6 months. In some cases, the symptoms will be gone only to appear again (relapse).

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on individual factors like age and overall health. The common symptoms include;

· Fever

· Diarrhoea

· Dark urine or dark coloured stool

· Loss of appetite

· Yellow skin or eyes(jaundice).

· Itching

It is important to keep in mind that not everyone will develop symptoms. One in hundred infected person can have very severe hepatitis leading to liver failure and death or liver transplantation.

Treatment

There are currently no medications available, however the body can fight off the virus on its own with time and supportive care. Drinking plenty of water, choosing easily digestible foods rich in nutrients to provide the body with the building blocks it needs for healing such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

The most important thing is to manage symptoms, take good nutrition and adequate rest till your liver recovers. Hospitalisation is also unnecessary unless the individual has severe nausea, vomiting, or acute liver failure. People should also avoid unnecessary medication that can affect the liver including allopathic (paracetamol), ayurveda and homeo. It’s important to rest your body at the time, to hydrate well, and have a balanced diet.

Prevention

Vaccination is the ultimate shield. Routine vaccination of children over 12 and before traveling also needs to be done. Wash hands properly after using the toilet, before eating food, etc. Food handling is vital, thorough washing of fruits and vegetables should be done. Be cautious of food consumption while traveling.