Singer Gayatri Hazarika Passes Away From Colon Cancer, Know The Signs And When To Get Screened

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The music industry and fans alike are mourning the loss of the talented Assamese singer, Gayatri Hazarika, who succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 44. Her battle with the disease came to an end on Friday at Nemcare Hospitals in Guwahati, where she had been receiving treatment.

Dr Hitesh Baruah, confirming her demise, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, marking it as a sad day for everyone who knew her. He revealed that Hazarika was admitted to the hospital three days prior due to a deterioration in her condition and had to be moved to the ICU, where she eventually passed away.

The news of Gayatri Hazarika's untimely departure has sent shockwaves through her fanbase and among her peers in the music and film industries. Tributes have flooded social media platforms, where colleagues and admirers have shared their condolences and memories of the singer.

Let us know what colon cancer is and when is the right time to get screened.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer when referring to both colon and rectal cancers-is one of the most common and preventable forms of cancer worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many people are unaware of its early warning signs or delay screening until symptoms become severe. Often dubbed a "silent disease," colon cancer can progress without noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, with timely screening and awareness, it is not only treatable but also, in many cases, entirely preventable.

Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and knowing the right time to get screened can literally save lives. Whether you're reading this for yourself, a loved one, or simply to be informed, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about colon cancer.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer originates in the colon or rectum, parts of the large intestine, which is the final portion of the digestive tract. It typically begins as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer. Because this transformation is slow, regular screenings can often detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous.

Colon cancer affects both men and women and is most common in people over the age of 50. However, recent years have seen a troubling rise in cases among younger adults, making awareness and early detection more critical than ever.

Common Symptoms Of Colon Cancer

One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing colon cancer early is that its symptoms often mimic less serious conditions or may not appear at all. However, there are several warning signs to watch for:

• Changes in bowel habits such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely
• Blood in the stool (bright red or very dark), or black, tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent abdominal discomfort like cramps, gas, or pain
• Weakness or fatigue
• A noticeable change in stool shape, such as narrow or ribbon-like stools

These symptoms don't always indicate cancer. They may result from hemorrhoids, infections, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but they should never be ignored. If they persist for more than a few weeks, it's time to consult a healthcare provider.

Key Risk Factors For Colon Cancer

While colon cancer can affect anyone, several risk factors increase your chances of developing the disease:

• Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50, though younger cases are rising.
• Family history: A history of colon cancer or polyps in close relatives increases your risk.
• Personal health history: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) elevate your risk.
• Diet: Diets high in red meat, processed foods, and low in fiber are linked to higher incidence.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity can increase risk.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese raises your chances of developing and dying from colon cancer.
• Smoking and alcohol use: Both contribute to a higher risk of several cancers, including colon cancer.
• Type 2 diabetes: People with diabetes often face a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Lifestyle changes can reduce risk, but genetic predispositions require extra attention and regular screening.

When Should You Get Screened for Colon Cancer?

Screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer or catch it early when it's most treatable. Most guidelines recommend:

• Average-risk adults: Begin regular screening at age 45, continuing through age 75.
• High-risk individuals: If you have a family history or a known genetic condition like Lynch syndrome, you may need to start as early as age 40 or even earlier.
• After age 75: Screening decisions should be individualized based on health status and life expectancy.

  There are several types of screening tests available, including:

• Colonoscopy (every 10 years): Gold standard for detecting and removing polyps.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy (every 5 years): Views only the lower colon.
• Stool-based tests like FIT (annually) or Cologuard (every 3 years): Non-invasive but require follow-up if abnormal.

Don't wait for symptoms-early screening can find precancerous polyps long before they develop into cancer.

How Is Colon Cancer Diagnosed?

If a screening test finds something abnormal, or you're experiencing suspicious symptoms, your doctor may recommend:

• Colonoscopy: To examine the colon and possibly take tissue biopsies.
• CT colonography: Also known as virtual colonoscopy.
• Blood tests: While not diagnostic alone, they can check for anemia or elevated tumor markers like CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen).

Biopsy results will determine whether cancer is present, its stage, and the next course of action.

Staging And Treatment Options

Once diagnosed, colon cancer is staged from I to IV, indicating how far it has spread. Treatment depends on the stage, location of the tumor, and overall health of the patient. Common treatment options include:

• Surgery: Often the first line of treatment, especially for early-stage cancers. It may involve removing part of the colon (colectomy) and nearby lymph nodes.
• Chemotherapy: Used after surgery in some cases, or as a primary treatment if the cancer has spread.
• Radiation therapy: More common in rectal cancer, particularly before or after surgery.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs that attack specific cancer cell mechanisms, used in more advanced cases.
• Immunotherapy: In select patients with specific genetic mutations (like MSI-H), this can be highly effective.

Treatment plans are highly individualized and may combine multiple therapies for the best outcome.

Prognosis And Survival Rates

When detected early, the prognosis for colon cancer is very good. The five-year survival rate for stage I colon cancer is over 90%. However, this drops significantly with later stages, making early detection vital.
For metastatic (stage IV) colon cancer, the five-year survival rate is about 14%, though new treatments and clinical trials are improving outcomes every year. Regular follow-up after treatment is essential to monitor for recurrence and manage any long-term side effects.

Preventing Colon Cancer: What You Can Do Today

While not all cases of colon cancer are preventable, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk. Here's how:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats
• Exercise regularly-aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
• Maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking
• Get screened on schedule, especially if you're over 45 or have risk factors.

These habits support not just colon health, but your overall well-being. Speak to your doctor about when to begin screening. Colon cancer might be a silent threat, but the tools to fight it are loud and clear.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.