Common Colon Cancer Myths Debunked

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about colon cancer. A renowned colon cancer surgeon named Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, who is associated with Clinica Health, unveils the myths in this blog.

Myth: Colon cancer needs a prolonged and extensive treatment

When one is diagnosed with any type of cancer, it is frightening, and initially, he/ she thinks of giving up on life. But colon cancer is curable with surgical treatment. The treatment is not extensive and does not involve a long period of time. A surgical procedure to remove the cancerous portion is enough, and it can be performed with only one incision, which is only 3 inches large, says Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the famous colon cancer surgeon in Kolkata.  

Myth: Colon cancer gets detected after it has spread to other body parts

This is nothing but a sheer myth. In most cases, patients with colon cancer lead a normal life after getting the right treatment. This is true that the earlier colon cancer gets detected, the better results can be expected from surgical treatments. This is why the best oncologists ask you to get yourself tested whenever you observe a symptom. Early detection and treatment do not allow the tumor to spread to other body parts.  

Myth: Women do not require a colonoscopy

Anybody can get affected by colon cancer, irrespective of gender. The best colorectal surgeon Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik advises getting a colonoscopy done every 10 years. Both men and women need a colonoscopy. If any of your close relatives (blood relation) had been diagnosed with colon cancer, you must go for a colonoscopy as early as possible.  

Myth: There’s no need of a colonoscopy if there isn’t a symptom

Colon cancer may not have any symptoms initially. But that does not mean that you do not need to get your colonoscopy done. It is really important to get a colonoscopy done at least once in 10 years. There have been cases where patients with no symptoms were diagnosed with colon cancer.  

Myth: Colonoscopy is the only test to detect colon cancer

Yes, this is true that colonoscopy is considered the best and most accurate screening test for colon cancer but, there are other clinically proven methods that have the capacity to detect your colon cancer. Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is an alternative that is used to detect colon cancer. As colon cancer results in blood loss, patients can do this test at their home by collecting their sample stool and, after that sending it to a nearby lab. Computer tomographic (CT) colonography is also one clinically approved test which is commonly known as virtual colonoscopy.   Colorectal cancer is treatable and curable, but you have to remain updated about your health and should never ignore any of the symptoms. To get the best colon cancer treatment visit Clinica Health and get treated by Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik.