Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and may remain unnoticed during its early stages. Some cancers begin as abnormal growths called polyps, which can gradually develop into cancer. Recognising persistent bowel changes and undergoing appropriate screening can help detect concerning changes earlier.
Regular colorectal cancer screening is important because it can detect precancerous polyps or cancer before symptoms develop. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, India recorded approximately 70,038 new cases of colorectal cancer, highlighting its considerable disease burden.
At SGVP Holistic Hospital in Ahmedabad, patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms or abnormal screening findings can undergo specialist evaluation and appropriate investigations. Further testing is planned according to symptoms, personal risk factors, examination findings, and previous screening history.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer that begins in the colon or rectum, which forms part of the large intestine. Many colorectal cancers develop from abnormal growths called polyps, although not every polyp becomes cancerous.
Important points to understand include:
- Colon cancer begins in the colon, while rectal cancer begins in the rectum.
- Some polyps can remain harmless, while certain precancerous polyps may gradually develop malignant changes.
- Finding and removing precancerous polyps can help prevent some colorectal cancers.
- Early colorectal cancer may not cause obvious symptoms.
- Screening is therefore intended for eligible people who do not have symptoms.
- Patients who already have concerning symptoms require diagnostic assessment rather than simply waiting for routine screening.
What Are the Early Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer?
Early colorectal cancer may cause no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms develop, persistent rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, unexplained anaemia, or weight loss should be evaluated rather than assumed to be due to piles or dietary problems.
Possible warning signs include:
- Blood in or on the stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- A noticeable change in bowel frequency
- Feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely
- Recurrent abdominal cramps, pain, or discomfort
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia
- Persistent tiredness or weakness
- Unintentional weight loss
These symptoms do not automatically indicate colorectal cancer. Haemorrhoids, gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and several other digestive conditions can cause similar problems.
| Symptom | Why Medical Assessment May Be Needed |
| Rectal bleeding | The source of gastrointestinal bleeding needs to be identified |
| Persistent bowel changes | Continuing changes may require examination of the colon |
| Iron-deficiency anaemia | Chronic gastrointestinal blood loss is one possible cause |
| Unexplained weight loss | Persistent unintentional weight loss requires medical evaluation |
| Ongoing abdominal discomfort | Recurrent or worsening symptoms may need further investigation |
When Should Colorectal Symptoms Be Checked by a Doctor?
Persistent or unexplained bowel symptoms should be assessed, particularly when bleeding, anaemia, weight loss, or progressive abdominal symptoms are present. Age alone should not determine whether a person with concerning symptoms receives further evaluation.
A medical consultation is advisable for:
- Blood that repeatedly appears in or on the stool
- Persistent constipation, diarrhoea, or another unexplained bowel change
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia
- Continuing abdominal pain or cramping
- Unintentional weight loss
- Persistent fatigue associated with anaemia
- New bowel symptoms in someone with a strong family history of colorectal cancer
Rectal bleeding should not automatically be attributed to haemorrhoids without appropriate assessment, particularly when it persists or occurs with other symptoms.
Who is at Higher Risk of Colorectal Cancer?
The likelihood of colorectal cancer generally increases with age, although the disease can also occur in younger adults. Personal medical history, family history, inherited conditions, and certain lifestyle factors can further influence risk.
Factors associated with increased risk include:
- Increasing age
- A first-degree relative with colorectal cancer or certain colorectal polyps
- Previous colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps
- Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease involving the colon
- Lynch syndrome
- Familial adenomatous polyposis
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Dietary patterns containing large amounts of processed or red meat
Patients with a higher-than-average risk may need screening earlier or more frequently. The appropriate schedule should be decided after reviewing the person’s family history, medical history, and previous test results.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines: When Should Screening Start?
For adults at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends starting regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45. Screening generally continues through age 75 in people in good health with a life expectancy of more than ten years.
Current guidance can be understood as follows:
- Ages 45-75: Regular screening is recommended for adults at average risk.
- Ages 76-85: Screening decisions should be individualised according to overall health, previous screening, life expectancy, and patient preference.
- Above age 85: Routine colorectal cancer screening is generally not recommended under ACS guidance.
- Higher-risk adults: Screening may need to begin earlier or occur more frequently.
- Patients with symptoms: Concerning symptoms require diagnostic evaluation regardless of age or routine screening schedules.
Screening refers to testing people who do not have symptoms. Once rectal bleeding, persistent bowel changes, unexplained anaemia, or other concerning symptoms appear, doctors may recommend diagnostic investigations instead.
Which Tests Are Used for Colorectal Cancer Screening?
Several screening methods are available, including stool-based tests and examinations that allow doctors to view the colon. The most appropriate option depends on individual risk, previous results, medical history, test availability, and clinical advice.
Common options include:
- Faecal immunochemical test (FIT): Detects small amounts of blood in stool that may not be visible.
- Other stool-based tests: Some tests assess blood or additional biological markers associated with colorectal abnormalities.
- Colonoscopy: Allows direct examination of the rectum and entire colon with a flexible camera.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Examines the rectum and lower portion of the colon.
- CT colonography: Uses specialised CT imaging to examine the colon in suitable patients.
A colonoscopy in Ahmedabad at SGVP Holistic Hospital may be recommended when direct visual examination of the bowel is required. During colonoscopy, suspicious polyps can be identified, and tissue samples or polyps may be removed when clinically appropriate.
An abnormal stool-based screening result may also need to be followed by colonoscopy rather than simply repeating the stool test.
Is Endoscopy the Same as Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is a type of endoscopic procedure, but the terms are not interchangeable. Colonoscopy specifically examines the colon and rectum, whereas upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examines the oesophagus, stomach, and upper part of the digestive tract.
The main differences include:
- Upper GI endoscopy examines the upper digestive tract.
- Colonoscopy examines the rectum and colon.
- Sigmoidoscopy examines the lower part of the large bowel.
- Colonoscopy is one of the recognised visual screening methods for colorectal cancer.
- Upper GI endoscopy is not used as a routine colorectal cancer screening test.
SGVP Holistic Hospital’s Gastro-Science services include colonoscopy and several other gastrointestinal procedures. Patients undergoing endoscopy in Ahmedabad are assessed according to the part of the digestive system that needs examination and the symptoms being investigated.
What Happens if a Colorectal Screening Test is Abnormal?
An abnormal colorectal screening result does not confirm cancer. Further assessment is needed to determine whether the result is caused by a polyp, cancer, another gastrointestinal condition, or a non-cancerous source of bleeding.
Further evaluation may include:
- Review of symptoms and medical history
- Assessment of family history and previous screening
- Colonoscopy after certain abnormal screening tests
- Removal of polyps when appropriate
- Biopsy of suspicious tissue
- Histopathological examination of collected tissue
- Imaging if cancer is confirmed
- Additional investigations to determine disease stage
After colorectal cancer is diagnosed, imaging and other tests may be used to determine whether the disease remains localised or has spread elsewhere.
How is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed and Treated?
Colorectal cancer is usually confirmed by examining suspicious tissue obtained during colonoscopy or another diagnostic procedure. Treatment then depends on the location, stage, biological characteristics of the tumour, general health, and whether cancer has spread.
The diagnostic and treatment pathway may involve:
- Colonoscopy and biopsy
- Histopathological confirmation
- Blood investigations
- CT, MRI, or other imaging when indicated
- Surgery to remove the tumour and relevant surrounding tissue
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy, particularly for selected rectal cancers
- Targeted treatment in suitable cancers
- Immunotherapy for selected tumours with relevant molecular features
- Follow-up and surveillance after treatment
At SGVP Holistic Hospital, patients considering cancer treatment in Ahmedabad can be evaluated by surgical, medical, or radiation oncology teams depending on the cancer type and stage. Treatment planning is based on complete diagnostic findings and accurate staging rather than a single test result.
Colorectal Cancer Care at SGVP Holistic Hospital
SGVP Holistic Hospital provides gastroenterology and oncology services for the evaluation and management of gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is commonly managed within the hospital’s Department of Surgical Oncology. The hospital also provides gastroenterology services that include colonoscopy and other endoscopic procedures.
Relevant features include:
- Gastroenterology assessment for gastrointestinal symptoms
- Colonoscopy and related diagnostic procedures
- Surgical oncology services
- Coordination of investigations after a suspected or confirmed cancer diagnosis
- Treatment planning according to disease stage and individual clinical findings
- NABH accreditation
- A multispeciality hospital setup in Ahmedabad
SGVP Holistic Hospital is a 200+ bed multispeciality hospital that provides affordable healthcare services while bringing healthcare of international standards within patients’ reach.
Appropriate Doctor for Colorectal Cancer at SGVP Holistic Hospital
Dr. Ashok Desai is a Consultant Gastro Onco Surgeon at SGVP Holistic Hospital. The hospital’s Surgical Oncology department specifically lists him among its specialists, while his profile covers surgical gastroenterology and gastrointestinal oncology.
His role is particularly relevant for:
- Surgical evaluation of gastrointestinal cancers
- Colorectal cancer requiring surgical assessment
- Gastrointestinal oncology
- Planning surgery after complete diagnostic and staging evaluation
- Coordination with other oncology specialists when multimodal treatment is required
The need for surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or another treatment cannot be decided from symptoms alone. A confirmed diagnosis and accurate staging are required before a personalised treatment plan can be prepared.
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer can develop without noticeable early symptoms, making screening an important part of early detection. Persistent rectal bleeding, unexplained bowel changes, iron-deficiency anaemia, abdominal discomfort, or unintentional weight loss should also receive medical attention.
For adults at average risk, colorectal cancer screening generally begins at age 45 under current ACS guidance. Higher-risk individuals may require an earlier or different schedule. When cancer is diagnosed, treatment depends on its location, stage, tumour characteristics, and the patient’s overall health. Appropriate evaluation helps determine whether surgery, systemic treatment, radiotherapy, or a combination is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stage 1 colon cancer may cause no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include rectal bleeding, persistent bowel changes, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, or iron-deficiency anaemia. These symptoms are not specific to cancer and require medical assessment.
Yes, colon cancer can be treated, and the treatment approach depends strongly on its stage, location, tumour characteristics, and overall health. Surgery is important for many localised cancers, while chemotherapy or other systemic treatments may also be required.
Colorectal cancer does not cause one characteristic type of pain. Some patients may experience persistent abdominal cramps, aching, bloating, pressure, or discomfort. Because many digestive conditions cause similar symptoms, unexplained or worsening abdominal pain should be medically assessed.
Three important warning signs are rectal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, and unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia. Abdominal discomfort, weakness, and unintentional weight loss may also occur. None of these symptoms alone can confirm colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer can be detected early through appropriate screening before symptoms develop. Screening options include stool-based tests and visual examinations such as colonoscopy. People with concerning symptoms or increased risk may require diagnostic testing or earlier screening.
There is no single life expectancy for colon cancer because prognosis varies considerably with disease stage, tumour biology, overall health, treatment response, and other factors. Individual survival estimates should therefore be discussed after diagnosis and accurate cancer staging.
