What is the first sign of colorectal cancer?

The most common early signs include blood in stool, persistent bowel changes, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight loss.

At what age should colorectal cancer screening start?

Most medical guidelines recommend starting screening at age 45, especially for individuals with average risk.

Can I lower my risk of colorectal cancer?

Yes. Many cases can be prevented. While not 100% preventable, you can drastically reduce your risk through healthy lifestyle habits, regular exercise, a high-fibre diet, and routine screening tests.

What is the best test for detecting colorectal cancer?

Colonoscopy is considered the most effective test because it can detect and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.

Why choose Renova Hospitals for your screening and care?

Renova Hospitals offers comprehensive, advanced colorectal screening, diagnosis, and treatment in Hyderabad, delivered by a dedicated team of cancer specialists under one roof.

How can I consult a specialist at Renova Hospitals?

To consult a colorectal cancer specialist or schedule a screening test, contact Renova Hospitals at 040 2333 3333.

Home Blogs Colorectal Cancer Explained: Recognising the Signs and Lowering Your Risk

By Renova Hospitals

March 05, 2026

Colorectal Cancer Explained: Recognising the Signs and Lowering Your Risk

Key Takeaways

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide.
It often develops from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum.
Diet, lifestyle habits, obesity, smoking, and alcohol increase risk.
Early symptoms may include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and fatigue.
Screening after age 45 helps detect and prevent colorectal cancer early.

Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival outcomes.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and a growing health concern in India. It develops in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine that absorb water and store waste before elimination.

Globally, colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. According to global cancer estimates, more than 1.9 million new cases and nearly 900,000 deaths were reported in 2020.

In India, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer, with 64,863 new cases and over 38,000 deaths reported in 2022. With rapid urbanisation and changing dietary habits, the number of cases is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

In cities like Hyderabad, healthcare specialists are witnessing a gradual rise in colorectal cancer cases, particularly among younger adults. Catching the disease early through screening and awareness makes a massive difference in survival rates.

At Renova Hospitals, our cancer specialists, including expert gastroenterologists and oncologists, work together to build a care plan tailored to your exact needs, using advanced diagnostic tools. We focus heavily on finding the disease early and treating it with the most effective methods available.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, which together form the large intestine. Most colorectal cancers begin as small non-cancerous growths called polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can turn into cancer if they are not detected and removed early.

Types of colorectal cancer include:

Colon cancer, a cancer that starts in the large intestine
Rectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the last part of the colon (rectum)
Adenocarcinoma, the most common type, accounts for nearly 90–95% of cases

Colorectal cancer usually develops slowly over several years, which makes regular screening highly effective in preventing the disease.

Colorectal Cancer in India: Why Cases Are Rising

Although India historically had lower colorectal cancer rates compared to Western countries, recent studies show a steady increase in cases, particularly in urban populations.

Key statistics include:

India reported 64,863 colorectal cancer cases in 2022
Approximately 38,367 deaths were linked to the disease.
The risk is estimated at 1 in 149 for men and 1 in 250 for women.
Incidence is higher in urban regions than in rural areas.

Doctors link this rise to everyday lifestyle changes, including

Westernised diets
High consumption of processed food
Sedentary lifestyles
Rising obesity and diabetes
Increased alcohol and tobacco use

Healthcare providers in Hyderabad have also reported an increase in early-onset colorectal cancer among people below 50 years, highlighting the need for greater awareness and preventive screening.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer risk is influenced by both modifiable (lifestyle) and non-modifiable (genetic or biological) factors.

Lifestyle and Modifiable Risk Factors

Several lifestyle habits significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

Common risk factors include:

A diet high in red meat and processed meat
Low fibre intake
Sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
High intake of processed and sugary foods

Studies suggest that diets rich in fibre, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Regular physical activity has also been shown to reduce colorectal cancer risk by up to 25–30%.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

Some risk factors cannot be changed, but can help identify individuals who need earlier screening.

These include:

Age above 50 years
Family history of colorectal cancer
Genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
Personal history of colorectal polyps
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Previous abdominal or pelvic radiation therapy

If you relate to any of these risk factors, our preventive oncology team at Renova Hospitals is here to guide you through a personalised screening plan.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is often called a 'silent' disease because it rarely shows clear symptoms in the beginning. However, as it grows, you might notice:

Common symptoms include:

Blood in stool (bright red or dark)
Persistent changes in bowel habits
Diarrhoea or constipation
Narrow or thin stools
Abdominal pain or cramps
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Iron deficiency anaemia

These symptoms can also occur in non-cancerous conditions. However, persistent symptoms should always be evaluated by a specialist.

Stages of Colorectal Cancer

Doctors stage colorectal cancer to describe how far it has grown. This helps our oncology team decide the best and most effective treatment plan for you.

Stage 0

Cancer is limited to the inner lining of the colon or rectum.

Stage I

Cancer grows into the colon or rectal wall but has not spread outside it.

Stage II

Cancer extends through the wall but has not reached nearby lymph nodes.

Stage III

Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage IV

Cancer spreads to distant organs such as the liver or lungs.

Early-stage colorectal cancer has a much higher survival rate, which is why early diagnosis is extremely important.

How Is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?

The Advanced Diagnostics Centre at Renova Hospitals utilises the latest imaging and high-definition endoscopic technologies for the precise, early detection of colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the most effective screening test for colorectal cancer. During the procedure, doctors examine the colon using a flexible camera and can remove suspicious polyps.

Stool-Based Tests

These include:

Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Stool DNA tests

These tests detect hidden blood or abnormal DNA in stool samples.

Imaging Tests

Advanced imaging methods help determine cancer spread:

CT scans
MRI scans
PET scans
CT colonography

Biopsy

If a suspicious growth is detected, a tissue sample (biopsy) is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer

Your doctor will recommend a treatment path based on the cancer’s stage, its location, and your overall health.

Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for early colorectal cancer.

Common surgical procedures include:

Polypectomy – removal of polyps during colonoscopy
Colectomy – removal of part of the colon
Proctectomy – removal of the rectum

Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries offered at Renova Hospitals, are widely used by our surgical oncologists to achieve faster recovery times, less scarring, and reduced postoperative pain.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells and is often recommended for Stage II, III, and IV cancers.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is mainly used for rectal cancer to shrink tumours before surgery or reduce recurrence risk.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted drugs focus on specific cancer pathways. These therapies are particularly useful for advanced colorectal cancer with specific genetic markers.

Immunotherapy

Patients with MSI-H or mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumours may benefit from immunotherapy.

Latest Advances in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Recent research has led to several promising advancements in colorectal cancer care.

New treatment strategies include:

Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT)
HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
AI-assisted colonoscopy screening
Targeted biomarker-driven therapy
Advanced immunotherapy combinations tailored for specific genetic markers (like MSI-H/dMMR)

These developments are helping improve survival outcomes for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?

While not all cases can be prevented, you can significantly lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer through healthy lifestyle choices and proactive early screening.

Key prevention strategies include:

Eating a high-fibre diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Limiting red and processed meat consumption
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Exercising regularly
Avoiding smoking
Limiting alcohol intake
Undergoing regular screening tests after age 45

Screening allows doctors to detect and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.

Importance of Early Screening

Medical organisations recommend that average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

Screening intervals may include:

Annual FIT or FOBT tests
Stool DNA test every 3 years
Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
Colonoscopy every 10 years

Individuals with a family history or high-risk conditions may require earlier and more frequent screening.

If it’s time for your routine check-up, the gastroenterology team at Renova Hospitals in Hyderabad is equipped with the latest screening tools to detect early warning signs, giving you peace of mind and better treatment options.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

Persistent blood in stool
Unexplained weight loss
Ongoing abdominal pain
Long-term bowel habit changes
Fatigue or anaemia

Early medical evaluation can lead to timely diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer is a growing health concern worldwide and in India. Although the disease can be serious, early detection and preventive screening significantly improve survival rates.

Lifestyle choices such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Making time for regular screenings after age 45 is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your health and catch precancerous polyps before they become dangerous.

At Renova Hospitals, a multidisciplinary team of specialists provides comprehensive colorectal cancer care, from screening and diagnosis to advanced treatment options, ensuring patients receive personalised and effective medical support.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified oncologist or healthcare provider at Renova Hospitals for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.