Understanding the Link Between Colorectal Cancer and Obesity

Understanding the Link Between Colorectal Cancer and Obesity
June 12, 2024

Understanding the Link Between Colorectal Cancer and Obesity

Being overweight is about more than simply how you look or how self-conscious you feel; it’s a major health concern in our culture. The association between obesity and colon cancer is among the most worrisome of the many negative health effects of being overweight. Is obesity a risk factor for colon cancer? Let’s consult with a top colorectal surgeon in Ahmedabad about it.

We will examine the facts first. The Indian Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer ranks ninth among male cancers diagnosed in India.

Several studies have demonstrated that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to acquire colorectal cancer compared to those who maintain a healthy weight, further supporting the idea that obesity is a risk factor for the illness.

How are Colorectal Cancer and Obesity Linked?

One hypothesis is that being overweight raises the risk of cancer because it causes systemic inflammation, which in turn damages cells. The excessive insulin and insulin-like growth factor levels linked to obesity may encourage the proliferation of cancer cells.

Obesity significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer, regardless of the exact mechanisms involved. The good news is that there are things you can do to lower your risk, says Dr. Avadh Patel, a top colorectal cancer surgeon in Ahmedabad.

Ways to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

  • Being at a healthy weight is one of the best defenses against getting colorectal cancer.
  • Keeping your body mass index (BMI) in a healthy range, along with a balanced diet and frequent exercise, is essential.
  • Strive to include strength training activities into your weekly regimen and aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity.
  • There are a number of things you can do to lower your chance of developing colorectal cancer, including maintaining a healthy weight. Some examples are:
  • Consuming an abundance of fresh produce, legumes, and whole grains
  • Cutting back on your intake of processed and red foods
  • Staying away from tobacco and drinking too much alcohol
  • Getting screened frequently, particularly if colorectal cancer runs in your family.

Can colon cancer be cured solely with surgery?

There are a number of variables that affect the prognosis for individuals with colon cancer, which is a dangerous and possibly fatal disease. These include the cancer’s stage, the patient’s age, general health, and the treatment they undergo.

Colon cancer surgery is common, but it might not be enough to stop the illness in its tracks. The likelihood of a satisfactory outcome from surgery is typically enhanced when additional therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, are administered simultaneously, according to a top colorectal cancer surgeon. At the moment of diagnosis, the specific demands of the patient and the stage of cancer determine the exact treatment strategy.

Also Read : Understanding Rectal Prolapse: A Comprehensive Overview

What is the Life Expectancy after Detection of Colorectal Cancer?

The stage of the cancer, the patient’s general health, and the efficacy of treatment are three of the many aspects that can greatly affect the prognosis for colon cancer. Although it varies greatly depending on the stage of disease at diagnosis, the Indian Disease Society reports that the general five-year survival rate for individuals with colon cancer in India is approximately 40%. The survival percentage for people with early-stage colon cancer is approximately 91%, which is significantly greater than the rate for individuals with advanced illness.

Is it possible for someone to live a decade or longer following a colon cancer diagnosis?

The likelihood of a patient surviving for ten years following a colon cancer diagnosis is contingent upon a multitude of variables, such as the disease stage upon diagnosis, the patient’s age, general health, and the efficacy of treatment. Patients diagnosed with colon cancer in their early stages have a better chance of a complete and healthy life after treatment. On the other hand, vigorous treatment may not extend the life expectancy of patients with more severe conditions. The prognosis for colon cancer is better if it is discovered early.

The encouraging news is that, following colon cancer therapy, many people are able to lead full and fruitful lives.

Conclusion

Modern screening methods and improvements in cancer therapy have allowed for the early discovery of colon cancer, which is often curable if discovered in its early stages. In order to prevent colon cancer from returning, patients should consult with Dr. Avadh Patel, a top colorectal surgeon in Ahmedabad, about creating a personalized treatment plan and keeping up with regular follow-up appointments to check for symptoms of recurrence. It is possible for many colon cancer patients to have long and healthy lives with the right treatment and surveillance.

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