Colon cancer, also called bowel cancer, is a major health problem all over the world. The colon or rectum, which are part of the digestive system, are affected. In this in-depth piece, we’ll talk about what colon cancer is, what causes it, what the most common symptoms and signs are, and how natural and Ayurvedic treatments can help.
🙄What is Cancer of the Colon?
The colon is the big intestine, its main job is to take water and nutrients from the food that has already been processed and turn the rest of the waste into stool. When cells in the colon or rectum start to grow out of control, they can form a mass or tumor, which can be deadly.
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, as the name suggests. It can start as a polyp, which is a small growth on the walls of the colon. If left unchecked, it can turn into cancer over time.
Stats-Figure for Colon Cancer
It is the most common cancer world wide!
📊 In year 2020, there were about 1.9 million new colorectal cases found all around the world.
📊 Colorectal cancer has high rates of mortality rate and deaths because of this cancer. In year 2020, there were almost 935,000 deaths because of colon cancer.
📊 The rate of Survival differs significantly according to the stage when the cancer is diagnosis. However, 5-year of the survival rate was also localized for the colon cancer and it is comparatively quite high, of about 90%.
Though, if cancer gets spread different organs, the rate of survival for 5-year will drop drastically to almost 14%.
Why people get Colon Cancer?
Even though it’s not always clear what causes colon cancer, a number of risk factors have been found:
- Age: The chance of getting colon cancer goes up with age, and most people who get it are over 50.
- Colon cancer or polyps in the family: This can make the chance higher, especially if close cousins have had the disease.
- Personal History of Colorectal Polyps: People who have had colorectal polyps before are more likely to get them again.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases: Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can raise the chance of colon cancer.
- Diet: A diet that is high in red and processed foods and low in fruits, veggies, and whole grains may increase the risk.
- Lifestyle factors: People who smoke, drink too much booze, and don’t move around much have a higher chance of colon cancer.
- Obesity: Being overweight or fat makes your chance of getting colon cancer go up.
- Genetics: People can be more likely to get colon cancer if they have inherited gene defects, such as those in the APC or Lynch syndrome genes.
Signs and Symptoms
In its early stages, colon cancer often gets worse without showing any signs. As it gets worse, these signs and symptoms may start to show:
- Changes in Bowel Habits: You may have persistent diarrhoea, constipation, or a change in how your stools feel.
- Blood in the stool: This can show up as bright red or very dark stools, and it usually means that the rectum or colon is bleeding.
- Pain and discomfort in the abdomen: Cramps, gas, or general pain in the abdomen can be signs.
- Sudden, unexpected weight loss: This can be a sign of colon cancer that has already spread.
- Fatigue: You may start to feel tired or weak all the time.
- Anaemia: A low number of red blood cells can make you feel tired, weak, and pale.
- Bleeding from the rectal area: Blood in or on the stool can be a sign of colon cancer, especially if it keeps happening.
- Incomplete Bowel Movements: You may feel like you need to go to the toilet but not be able to pass stool all the way.
- Iron Deficiency: Anaemia can happen when the body doesn’t have enough iron.
- Bowel obstruction: A big tumour can stop the colon, causing serious stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
🌿 Treat Colon Cancer – Natural & Ayurvedic Ways
It’s important to remember that herbal and Ayurvedic methods for colon cancer should be used along with regular medical care, not instead of it. Before adding alternative methods to your cancer treatment plan, you should always talk to a doctor or nurse.
1. Changes to the diet:
High-Fiber Foods: A diet full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains can give you important nutrients and fibre, which may help keep your digestive system healthy.
Turmeric: Curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, can reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage. It may also help avoid cancer.
Garlic and onions: They have chemicals in them that may help fight cancer.
Green Tea: Polyphenols, which are found in green tea, may help stop the growth of cancer cells.
2. Herbal Supplements:
Ashwagandha: This Ayurvedic herb is known for its possible anti-cancer qualities and ability to boost the immune system.
Triphala: This mix of three vegetables (amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki) is often used in Ayurveda to help the digestive system.
3. Yoga and meditation:
Reducing stress: Activities like yoga and meditation can help lower stress and improve general health, which can be helpful for people with cancer.
4. Therapies based on Ayurveda:
Panchakarma: This traditional Ayurvedic method for cleansing the body may help get rid of toxins and improve general health.
Abhyanga: A self-massage done every day with warm oil can help you feel calm and in balance.
5. The mind-body connection:
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR methods can help people deal with the emotional and mental effects of being diagnosed with cancer and getting therapy.
6. Plant enemas:
Basti: In Ayurveda, plant enemas called basti are used to cleanse the body and keep the doshas in balance. Talk to someone who knows about Ayurveda for advice.
7. Meeting with an Ayurvedic Practitioner:
Customized Treatment Plan: An ayurvedic practitioner can make a treatment plan for you that is based on your body and your needs.
Monitoring: Checking in with an ayurvedic practitioner regularly can help figure out how well the treatment is working.
Conclusion 🔚
Colon cancer is a dangerous illness that needs to be treated right away by a doctor. Even though natural and Ayurvedic treatments can be helpful, they shouldn’t be used instead of traditional medicine. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team, which may include surgeons and Ayurvedic doctors, to make a treatment plan that covers all areas of your health.
Remember that the best way to treat colon cancer is to find it early and get medical help right away, so regular screenings and checkups are important for staying healthy.
Thank You 🤝
- Herb and Spices in Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Narrative Review
- Colon Cancer Survival With Herbal Medicine and Vitamins Combined With Standard Therapy in a Whole-Systems Approach: Ten-Year Follow-up Data Analyzed With Marginal Structural Models and Propensity Score Methods
- Medicinal Plants in the Prevention and Treatment of Colon Cancer
- Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated with Herbal Pharmacopuncture during FOLFIRI Chemotherapy: A Case Report
- Integrating ayurvedic medicine into cancer research programs part 2: Ayurvedic herbs and research opportunities
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