Did you know? According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, affecting more than 1.9 million people annually. Despite being so widespread, timely awareness, screening, and advanced care can dramatically improve survival rates. This is why seeking expert care from leaders in the field, such as Dr. Mathangi J at Gleneagles Cancer Institute in Bangalore, can make all the difference in outcomes and quality of life.
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. This cancer typically begins as a small growth called a polyp, which may turn cancerous over time. Early detection is vital, as most cases can be successfully treated if found in the early stages.
It is sometimes referred to simply as colon cancer when the growth starts in the colon. Both conditions share similar risks, diagnostic methods, and treatment options, but the exact location in the bowel can influence how it spreads and how it is treated.
The earliest stages often show no warning signs, which makes screening extremely important. However, as the disease progresses, colorectal cancer symptoms become more visible. Recognizing these signs early and consulting a specialist like Dr. Mathangi can save lives.
These are some of the key symptoms of colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, many individuals ignore them or attribute them to less serious conditions. This delay in diagnosis is one of the reasons why the disease often advances undetected.
While exact colorectal cancer causes vary, medical research highlights a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that increase the risk:
Understanding these risk factors empowers patients to make lifestyle changes and pursue colorectal cancer screening proactively.
Timely diagnosis is essential for effective colorectal cancer treatment. One of the gold-standard methods is a colonoscopy, where doctors visually examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Polyps can be removed during the procedure, reducing cancer risk.
Routine colorectal cancer screening saves lives. Screening detects cancer early, often before colorectal cancer symptoms even appear. For people above 45, it is recommended to undergo regular colonoscopy or alternative screening tests as per medical advice.
Dr. Mathangi emphasizes screening as one of the most powerful tools for prevention. By removing pre-cancerous polyps during colonoscopy, the risk of progression is drastically reduced.
Colorectal cancer treatment has advanced tremendously in recent decades. At Gleneagles Cancer Institute, under the leadership of Dr. Mathangi, patients receive world-class, personalized care tailored to the type and stage of cancer.
| Treatment | Purpose | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | Removes cancerous tumors and surrounding tissues | Often the first line of treatment in localized cases |
| Radiation therapy | Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells | Dr. Mathangi is a leading specialist in this approach, offering advanced techniques like SBRT and RapidArc |
| Chemotherapy | Uses drugs to target cancer cells | Can be given before or after surgery |
| Targeted therapy | Focuses on specific genes and proteins fueling cancer growth | Personalized medicine tailored to the patient’s cancer profile |
| Immunotherapy | Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer | Emerging as a promising approach for advanced cases |
Dr Mathangi J is not only a Senior Consultant & In-charge of Radiation Oncology at Gleneagles Cancer Institute but also a pioneer in cutting-edge cancer care. She has treated over 12,000 patients and installed Asia Pacific’s first TrueBeam STx Machine, making advanced radiation therapy accessible in India. Her expertise covers a wide range of cancers including head and neck, brain, lung, prostate, liver, uterine, cervical, and colorectal cancers.
Her global training in advanced technologies such as SBRT, IGRT, RapidArc, and intraoperative radiotherapy allows her to deliver precision treatments with minimal side effects. Patients gain access to international standards of care right in Bangalore.
Take the next step in protecting your health. To book an appointment with Dr Mathangi, simply fill in your details at this contact form. Her team will schedule your consultation and guide you through your next steps.
Prevention plays an equally important role in reducing the burden of colon cancer. Lifestyle modifications can greatly lower the chances of developing the disease:
The prognosis largely depends on the stage at which colorectal cancer is diagnosed. Early detection offers survival rates above 90%, whereas advanced stages lower the survival percentages significantly. This stark difference underscores the life-saving importance of timely screening and specialized care.
Dr Mathangi J is a Senior Consultant & In-charge of Radiation Oncology at Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Bangalore. She holds an MBBS, DMRT, and DNB in Radiation Oncology and has received advanced international training from renowned institutions in Germany and Denmark. With over two decades of clinical experience and expertise in treating more than 12,000 patients, she is a trusted name in cancer care. Her dedication to innovation, patient safety, and compassionate care makes her the preferred choice for individuals seeking world-class colorectal cancer treatment in India.
Colorectal cancer is a malignant growth that starts in the lining of the colon or rectum. When it begins specifically in the colon, many people refer to it as colon cancer. Both share very similar risk factors, diagnostics, and treatment pathways, with location guiding surgical and radiation decisions. Dr. Mathangi provides precise staging and multidisciplinary planning to ensure the first decision is the best decision.
Early disease may be silent. Typical colorectal cancer symptoms include unexplained changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in stool, persistent abdominal cramps/bloating, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. These are also classic symptoms of colorectal cancer that warrant medical evaluation, especially if they persist beyond two weeks.
At Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Dr. Mathangi fast-tracks symptomatic patients for definitive workup.
Key colorectal cancer causes involve a mix of age, genetics (e.g., Lynch syndrome), long-standing inflammatory bowel disease, diets high in processed/red meat and low in fiber, physical inactivity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. Family history of colorectal or related cancers raises risk. A personalized risk audit with Dr. Mathangi maps prevention and surveillance plans to your profile.
Colorectal cancer screening detects precancerous polyps and early disease before symptoms appear. Average-risk adults should begin at 45; higher-risk individuals may need earlier testing. Options include stool-based tests and endoscopic exams, with a colonoscopy considered the gold standard because it allows polyp removal in the same sitting.
Dr. Mathangi coordinates with gastroenterology for seamless, guideline-concordant screening pathways tailored to risk level.
A colonoscopy is an endoscopic exam of the colon and rectum using a thin, flexible camera. You’ll undergo bowel prep the day before; sedation during the test keeps you comfortable. If polyps are found, most can be removed immediately, which reduces future cancer risk. Results are reviewed with you, and next steps are coordinated by Dr. Mathangi’s team.
Colorectal cancer treatment is individualized by stage and biology. Typical modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and advanced radiation. As Senior Consultant & In-charge of Radiation Oncology, Dr. Mathangi deploys precision techniques (SBRT, RapidArc, IGRT, gated delivery, interstitial brachytherapy) to maximize tumor control while protecting healthy tissue.
Don’t wait. Persistent bleeding, altered bowel habits, or abdominal pain should trigger prompt evaluation. Start with your primary physician or a gastroenterologist for testing; if cancer is suspected or confirmed, book directly with Dr. Mathangi for staging and a comprehensive plan. Early action converts potential crisis into a manageable, curative pathway.
Survivorship includes scheduled imaging, laboratory tests, and periodic endoscopy. Lifestyle measures—fiber-forward diet, exercise, weight control, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco—support long-term wellness. Adherence to surveillance colorectal cancer screening schedules is critical, and additional colonoscopy may be advised based on the initial findings and pathology.
