What is Colon and Rectum?
The large intestine, also known as the colon, plays a pivotal role in the digestive system. Spanning about 5 feet, this muscular tube in the lower abdomen absorbs water and electrolytes from consumed food. Essential for transforming digested material into stool, the colon’s functions are crucial. However, colorectal cancer can afflict this vital organ, underscoring the importance of regular screenings and early detection for maintaining gastrointestinal health.
The colon consist of for parts:
1) Ascending Colon: It is the part of the colon that is situated in the right side of the abdomen and travel upwards in the abdomen.
2) Transverse Colon: It is part of the colon that is situated in the upper part of the abdomen and travel from right to left in the abdomen.
3) Descending Colon: It is part of the colon that is situated in the left side of the abdomen and travel downwards in the abdomen.
4) Sigmoid Colon: It is part of the colon that is S-shaped and connects colon to the rectum.
5) Rectum: Rectum is end part of the digestive system and stores stool until defecation. Rectum is around 6 inches long.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the colon (the large intestine) or the rectum. It can be individually called as colon cancer if it originates in the colon or rectal cancer if it originates in the rectum. But both the type of cancer have multiple similarities like risk factors, symptoms, and various treatment modalities.
Colorectal cancer typically and mostly originates from polyps. Polyps are abnormal sessile or pedunculated growth in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Gradually, over time some polyps can acquire additional abnormal mutations and become cancerous. However, not all polyps become cancerous but regular and periodic monitoring through different diagnostic modalities like Colonoscopy and Biopsy is mandated.
Early-stage of this cancer is mostly asymptomatic and the same underscores the importance of regular screening for early detection of colorectal cancer but the same increases the chances of the detection of the cancer at an advanced stage. Screening of colorectal cancer includes colonoscopy, stool DNA tests, fetal occult blood tests, and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Types of Colorectal Cancer
This cancer can be broadly classified into several types based on varying criteria like histology (cellular characteristics), location of the tumor (colon or rectum), mutations (drivers’ mutations or tumor suppressors), molecular characteristics etc. Below is mentioned some common types of this cancer:
1) Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is most common of colorectal cancer and accounts for almost 95% of all the cases of colorectal cancer. Adenocarcinoma originates from the glandular cells that line the inner walls of the colon and the rectum.
2) Carcinoid Tumors: Carcinoid tumors are rare and slow growing tumors. The carcinoid tumors develop from the hormone producing cells of the intestine.
3) Gastrointestinal Tumors (GISTs): Gastrointestinal tumors most commonly originates in the stomach but GISTs can also originate in the colon or the rectum. Carcinoid tumors originate in the connective tissue of the gastrointestinal tracts (GI) tracts.
4) Lymphoma: Lymphoma of colon or the rectum (Colorectal Lymphoma) are rare types of cancers that originates in the lymphatic tissue of the colon or the rectum.
5) Sarcoma: Sarcoma of the colon or the rectum are the rare types of cancer that originates in the connective tissues, such as muscles, fat, or the blood vessels of the colon or the rectum.
6) Squamous cell carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma originates most commonly in the anal canal rather than the colon or the rectum. It originates in the squamous cells lining the surface of the anal canal.
Further multiple research is needed and many advancement has been done at the genetic and molecular paradigm of the colorectal cancer to identify various subtypes based on the prognosis and the treatment modalities.
Colorectal Cancer Statistics and Prevalence
This Cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the colon or the rectum (anal canal). This Cancer and Rectal Cancer share many similarities in terms of risk factors, symptoms, and various treatment modalities. The prevalence of this Cancer in India and at the Global level can be understood through different statistics and studies mentioned below:
1) Global Prevalence: This Cancer is third most common cancer diagnosed globally and approximately 1.9 million cases were diagnosed in year 2020. This Cancer is second leading cause of death globally costing approximately 9, 35,000 deaths is year 2020. Prevalence of this Cancer is increasing in India and is traditionally less than common than Western Countries. Incidence of Colorectal Cancer is increasing in urban areas due to various factors like lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and increased life expectancy.
2) Age: Incidence of Colorectal Cancer increases with age and majority of cases are diagnosed in individuals over 50 years of age. There is a slight male predominance in colorectal cancer but the difference is not so significant.
3) Risk factors of Colorectal Cancer: Risk factors of Colorectal Cancer are similar across India and globally too, and it include increased age, prior family history, hereditary genetic abnormality, diet rich in red meat, low fibre diet, prolonged physical inactivity, and heavy alcohol consumption. Certain medical conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome can cause increased risk of Colorectal Cancer.
Early detection of This Cancer is essential in in improving the prognostic output in colorectal cancer but in India and developing or underdeveloped countries. Screening rates is relatively low compared to Western countries due to lack of awareness, access of healthcare facilities and high prevalence of poverty. Efforts are underway to increase screening rates in high risk individuals, promoting better dietary and lifestyle modifications like reducing red meat consumption, increasing fibre in the daily diet etc.
Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer is influenced by multiple risk factors which include both genetic and environmental aspects. Below is mentioned some of the important factors associated with colorectal cancer:
1) Age: Colorectal Cancer is more commonly found in older individuals. Most of the cases are diagnosed in individuals above the age of 50 years.
2) Family History and Genetics: Individuals with family history of colorectal cancer or certain hereditary genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) increases an individual risk of colorectal cancer.
3) Personal History of Colorectal Polyps: Individuals who previously had history of colorectal cancer or have developed certain type of polyps (adenomatous polyps or serrated polyps) are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer in future.
4) Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease of the colon confers an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
5) Dietary Factors: Frequent consumption of red and processed meat, and diet low on fruits and fibers confers an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
6) Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise and physical inactivity confers an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
7) Alcohol Consumption: Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
It is important to note that having inherited certain genetic mutations doesn’t warrants that a person will certainly develop a cancer, but an additional periodic and regular screenings is required to detect the cancer at an early stage and help to mitigate the risk.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer can manifest varying range of symptoms, and it even depends on the stage and types of Colorectal Cancer the patient is suffering from. Some general symptoms of Colorectal Cancer are:
1) Changes in Bowel Habits: Occasional or persistent diarrhea or constipation, and or changes in consistency of the stool can be a symptoms of colorectal cancer.
2) Blood in the Stool: Blood in the stool can be evident by bright red blood in the stool, or a darker, tar like stool. Blood in the stool can also be due to piles, anal fissures, and other gastrointestinal issues.
3) Abdominal Discomfort: Abdominal cramps, occasional or frequent bloating in the abdomen that last more than few weeks.
4) Unexplained Weight Loss: Unexplained loss of weight more than 10 % of the actual body weight even without trying to do so can be symptom of progressive colorectal carcinoma.
5) Anemia: Anemia especially Iron deficiency anemia is evident by fatigue, weakness, and shortness of the breath can be due to chronic blood loss from colorectal cancer.
Other symptoms of colorectal cancer is nausea or vomiting, feeling of incomplete evacuation, changes in appetite etc.
It is important to note that all the above mentioned symptoms could be present in wide range of diseases, so it is important to consult a health care provider.
Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
The treatment of colorectal cancer varies, and depends on multiple factors and specific type of colorectal cancer which is being treated. Treatment of the colorectal also depends on the patient’s age, and his overall general health statistics or condition. Here are some common treatment modalities for colorectal cancer:
1) Chemotherapy. 2) Targeted Therapy 3) Immunotherapy 4) Surgery 5) Radiotherapy
About ‘Ayurveda’
Ayurveda is a traditional and ancient system of Indian Medicine and has originated more than 3,000 years ago. The word Ayurveda is derived from words ayur (life) and veda (knowledge or science). So, Ayurveda means “knowledge of life”.
Ayurveda science inculcate holistic approach toward health and overall wellness of an individual. Ayurveda also promotes a harmonious approach between mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda helps to prevent and treat diseases by promoting and advising lifestyle modifications including dietary recommendations, yoga, exercise, and herbal remedies.
The basic principles on which Ayurveda relies is:
1) Doshas: Doshas are the guiding principles or energies in the body, the three doshas are: 1) Vata (Vayu and Aakash). 2) Pitta (Agni and Jala), and 3) Kapha (Pritvis and Jala). Every individual is composed of unique combination of this doshas and it determine the individual prakriti.
2) Agni: Agni as per Ayurveda is a digestive fire that helps to digest food and build up the immunity. Balanced Agni is key to health and prosperity of an individual.
3) Ama: Ama are generally referred as toxins that is produced in the body due to improper digestion and mental stress. Ama can cause block in the strotas and so further leading to diseases.
Concept of ‘Colon’ as ‘Pakvashaya or पक्वाशय’ in Ayurveda
Pakvashaya or पक्वाशय as mentioned in Ayurveda helps in different functions like it plays important role in digestion, formation of urine, and is an important sthana of Vata Dosha. Pakvashaya is also called a site that holds pakva mala or properly digested food that is consumed, that is why it is called as ‘Pakvashaya’.
As per different Acharya’s in Ayurveda, Pakvashaya is situated above the guda and below nabhi or the umbilical region and the same refers to Large Intestine or Colon in modern science. Ingested food after being completely digested is converted in to sara and kitta bhaga. The sara bhaga flows into rasavaha strotas and kitta bhaga or the waste product is further pushed down into Pakvashaya for absorption. And after absorption the purisha or mala is further pushed down in the rectum.
The vikruti in the ‘Pakvashaya’ is evident by shool or pain, anaha or flatulence in the abdomen, and constipation. It is also well established that vata dosha or apana vayu is causative behind the vikruti in Pakvashaya.
Concept ‘Rectum’ as ‘Guda or गुदा’ in Ayurveda
Guda in Ayurveda can also be called as Rectum and Anal Canal. Guda is also distal most part of the alimentary canal and is defined as Mahamarma in Ayurveda. Guda is an organ that facilitates in excretion of feces and flatus and is a matruj bhava in garbanirmana.
The antra (intestine), guda (rectum and anal canal), and basti (urinary bladder) is formed from the raktha (blood) and kapha after being digested by pitta and vayu. And as Guda is further subdivided into Uttar Guda and Adhar Guda.
Concept of ‘Colorectal Cancer’ in Ayurveda
As it is well described that antra (intestine) and guda (rectum and anal canal) is formed from raktha (blood) and kapha after being digested by pitta and vayu. So dusthi of raktha and kapha can be causative factor in colorectal cancer.
In Ayurveda, no such specific term for colorectal cancer is mentioned but its ‘Dosha Samprapti or Etiopathology’ can be compared with the topic or roga called ‘Arbuda/अर्बुद’. When the same dosha and dushya samprapti mentioned in Arbuda/अर्बुद affects Pakvashaya, it is called पक्वाशय and गुद अर्बुद.
It is important to note that the composition and set of doshas (vitiated Kapha and Vata Dosha) which when affects Mansha dhatu causes ‘Arbuda/अर्बुद’, and when the same set of doshas affects पक्वाशय and गुद it causes ‘Colorectal Cancer’ or पक्वाशय and गुद अर्बुद.
Treatment of Colorectal Cancer' or पक्वाशय and गुद अर्बुद in Ayurveda
The main goal of Ayurveda therapy is to find the cause of the Cancer, while the therapeutic approach of Ayurveda is just given in one category: Oral Medications
1) Tamra Sindoor (ताम्र सिन्दूर) in Colorectal Cancer
Tamra Sindoor is a Kupipakva Rasayan and a herbo-mineral formulation. Kupipakva Rasayan is a unique and special formulation mentioned in Ayurveda due to it’s good efficacy even in minimal dosage with maximum effect. Kupipakva Rasayan has a long lasting potency and has a synergistic effects in the patients.
Tamra Sindoor is prepared by taking kajjali which is prepared by titrating asta-sanskarit parada and shodhit gandhaka, and pieces of shodhit tamra in a Kacha Kupi. Kacha Kupi is kept in Valuka Yantra and Kramagni is given for 36 hours. Later the Kacha Kupi is taken out and it is let to Swang Sheeta. Tamra Sindoor is collected from Kantha Bhaga or neck of the bottle.
Tamra Sindoor is beneficial in Rakthajanya Vikaras. As utpatti or origin of colon and rectum is from raktha dhatu so Tamra Sindoor proves beneficial in Colorectal Cancer. Due to its lekhana guna Tamra Sindoor proves beneficial in Arbuda, Kaphaj Granthi, Gulma etc.
Medicinal properties of Tamra Sindoor
- Antioxidant properties of Tamra Sindoor: Tamra Sindoor helps in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body and benefit by oxidative stress related damage to cells, and the same prove beneficial in colorectal cancer.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Tamra Sindoor possess anti-inflammatory properties and helps in proving beneficial by reducing inflammation in the body. This anti-inflammatory properties proves beneficial in colorectal cancer.
- Enhances Immunity: Tamra Sindoor proves beneficial in colorectal cancer by enhancing the immunity and supporting the production of white blood cells. Tamra Sindoor also strengthens the body defence mechanism against the infections.
- Promotes Heart Health: Tamra Sindoor is crucial in maintaining the blood vessels of the heart and promote health of the heart muscles. Regular consumption of Tamra Sindoor during chemotherapeutic treatment of colorectal cancer helps in supporting proper circulation of the heart and maintaining cardiovascular health.
2) Chaturmukh Rasa (चतुर्मुख रस) in Colorectal Cancer
Chaturmukh Rasa is a medicine mentioned in Ayurveda and is prepared by taking mixture of Shudda Parada, Shuddha Gandhaka, Loha Bhasma, and Abhraka Bhasma. This mixture is titrated with Kumari Swaras and Erand Leaves Juice. After titration the pills is rolled from the mixture.
Benefits of Chaturmukh Rasa in Colorectal Cancer:
- Rasayan Properties: As per Ayurveda, Chaturmukh Rasa promotes rejuvenation and longevity in Colorectal Cancer patients. Chaturmukh Rasa promotes overall health and vitality in colorectal cancer patients.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Chaturmukh Rasa possess anti-inflammatory properties and helps in alleviating colorectal cancer.
- Immunomodulatory: Chaturmukh Rasa help to modulate the immune system and enhances the body’s ability against colorectal cancer.
- Digestive Aid: Chaturmukh Rasa helps to improve digestion in colorectal cancer patients, It also helps in increasing the agni (digestive fire) and improving assimilation in colorectal cancer patients.
3) Haridra (हल्दी) in Colorectal Cancer
Curcuma longa is simply known as turmeric or haridra in Ayurveda. Curcuma longa is flowering plant belonging to Zingiberaceae family and is native plants that belongs to Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Turmeric roots (rhizomes) is extensively used in cooking and spices. The roots of turmeric or curcuma longa is typically orange-yellow in color and its main ingredient is curcumin. Curcumin has a multiple health benefits like having an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
In traditional system of Indian and Chinese medicine, turmeric proves beneficial in various diseases related to digestive system, joint pain, cancer, and respiratory ailments. The active principle of turmeric that is curcumin has many therapeutic effects and multiple scientific research is underway to elucidate its therapeutic benefits.
Haridra Khanda (हरिद्रा खंड) Yoga in Colorectal Cancer
Haridra Khanda Yoga is a traditional Ayurvedic medications which is primarily composed of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and several other herbal medications. The ingredients of Haridra Khanda Yoga are Turmeric (Curcuma Longa), Sugar or Jaggery, Honey, Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki), Trikatu (Sunthi, Marich, and Pippali), Musta, Vidanga, Ela, and Cinnamon.
Haridra Khanda Yoga is available in granular powder form and is consumed orally by mixing it in warm mild or water. Haridra Khanda has many health benefits and proves beneficial in respiratory ailments, skin disorders, digestive issues etc. Haridra Khanda Yoga can prove beneficial in colorectal cancer in following ways:
1) Anti-inflammatory Properties: Haridra Khanda Yoga possess anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce inflammation thereby benefiting colorectal cancer patients. Haridra Khanda Yoga reduces colorectal cancer risk by its anti-inflammatory properties in inflammatory bowel disease etc.
2) Antioxidant activity: Haridra Khanda Yoga possess potent antioxidant properties and protects cells from oxidative damage. Haridra Khanda Yoga by its antioxidant properties proves beneficial in colorectal cancer.
3) Anti-Cancer Properties: Haridra Khanda Yoga possess anti-cancer properties as it help to inhibit growth and invasion of the cancer cells. Haridra Khanda Yoga induces apoptosis in neoplastic cells and intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral signaling.
4) Anti-Angiogenic Activity: Haridra Khanda Yoga possess anti-angiogenic properties and so inhibits the growth of the colorectal cancer. It is a well-known fact that cancer requires new blood vessels to proliferate further and preventing formation of new blood vessels prevents the growth of the tumor.
5) Interfering the signaling of the Cancer Cells: Haridra Khanda Yoga is known to modulate multiple intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral signaling pathways. It interferes in Wnt/β-catenin pathway, the NF-κB pathway, and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway thereby inhibiting the growth and proliferation of the colorectal cancer.
About Team ‘Cancer in Ayurveda’
Our Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ consists of Ayurvedic practitioners who are dedicated to providing patients with the best possible care for cancer. We at Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ believe that Ayurveda can complement modern medicine and provide patients with a more comprehensive approach to their care. Our personalized approach to treatment, extensive knowledge of Ayurvedic herbs, use of Panchakarma, and modern parameters make us one of the most dynamic teams of Ayurvedic cancer experts in Mumbai.
We at Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ are committed to helping patients manage their condition effectively and provide them with the support and guidance they need throughout the process.
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