The Importance Of Early Diagnosis In Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a cancer that grows into the inner lining of the colon or the rectal, therefore also known as colorectal cancer. Cancer in the colon can grow from polyps. Polyps refer to tissue growths that are small and bumpy and are formed in the colon walls due to the misbehavior of certain cells in the colon or rectal area. 

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer is detectable, preventable and curable. Yet five-year survival of colorectal cancer in India is one of the lowest in the world at less than 40%. In fact, the CONCORDE-2 study reveals five-year survival of rectal cancer in India is actually falling in some registries. 

Early Diagnosis of Colon Cancer 

In order to look for indicators of colon cancer or noncancerous colon tumours, doctors offer various screening tests and colon cancer diagnosis ultrasound for healthy individuals who have persistent signs or symptoms. The best chance for a cure is to detect colon cancer at its earliest stage and make an early diagnosis of colon cancer. Colon cancer screening has been found to minimize the chance of death from the disease.

People with an average risk of colon cancer should start screening at the age of 50, according to doctors. People at a higher risk of colon cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or those of African-American ancestry, should consider screening sooner.

There are several screening options available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Talk to a doctor about your options, and the two of you can determine which tests are right for you. If a colonoscopy is performed for screening, cancer tumours can be eliminated before they turn into cancer during the operation.

Colon Cancer Diagnosis: Colon Cancer Diagnosis Methods

Colonoscopy

If your signs and symptoms point to colon cancer, your doctor may recommend one or more tests and procedures, such as examining the inside of your colon with a scope (colonoscopy). To view your entire colon and rectum, a long, flexible, and slender tube is attached to a video camera and monitor. If anything suspicious is discovered, your doctor can use surgical tools to take tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis and to remove tumours.

Blood tests 

There is no blood test that can tell you if you have colon cancer. However, your doctor may perform blood tests to determine your overall health, such as kidney and liver function tests.

Financial Crisis During Cancer

The average cost of cancer treatment is around Rs. 5 lakh rupees. This is in addition to any other expenses that the patient must bear such as the basic house expenses, treatment bills, medication, and, home to hospital travel costs, doctor's visits and more. The hardships and trauma of being a cancer patient does not end with treatment or diagnosis of cancer. Because of the weakness that their bodies experience, many patients find it difficult to continue working in high-functioning environments. The financial strain becomes increasingly difficult to bear. Anyone diagnosed with cancer is financially impacted in some way. Furthermore, Covid-19 has exacerbated the conflict. However, in such cases, online crowdfunding can be a saving grace.

Source: Canva

How Can Crowdfunding For Cancer Help?

Cancer crowdfunding is a method for individuals and organisations to raise funds for medical treatments prescribed for the disease. On one of India's most popular crowdfunding platforms, ImpactGuru, you can raise funds for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

With medical crowdfunding in India, you can start a fundraiser to share your story and raise funds quickly. This helps you share both - your emotional and financial burden. So the amount which is heavy on one shoulder is shared by thousands of people who are rooting for you and donating to your cause.

Know everything about fundraising on ImpactGuru here: ImpactGuru FAQs.

Also Read:

First Time Crowdfunding? Here’s How You Can Ask For Donations Online!