Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Written by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG | Updated On 08-19-2025

Colon Cancer Explained

A Basic Residential Guide to Houston

Colorectal cancer ranks among the cancers that are widely found in the U.S. both in the colon and rectum. We are placed in Gastrodoxs Endoscopy Center, Houston, TX to assist you to remain informed and prepared. Dr. Bharat Pothuri provides information about how to prevent it, discover the treatment options, and how to catch it early.

Colorectal cancer can be effectively evaluated and cured at early stages, as stated by Dr. Bharat Pothuri‚ surveys-Houston Gastroenterology, in its mission statement.

In this guide, we'll cover:

• Symptoms and signs to observe.
• Risk factors you should know
• The development of colorectal cancer.
• Life saving screening techniques.
• Stages of cancer and its meaning.
• Common treatment options
• Exercise your lifestyle to reduce your risk.
• Number of people that have survived and survival expectations.

When it comes to the end, we will also respond to some of the most frequent questions. Let's get started.

1. What Is Colorectal Cancer?

The origin of colorectal cancer is on the inner lining of the colon or the rectum. Cards of this lining are prone to grow out of control and create tumors. Others are able to remain in one place, yet they may have a possibility of spreading to other as well as lymph nodes in other body organs. The disease usually progresses gradually and thus with frequent screening, it can be detected at an early stage before it takes its serious course.

2. Early Signs and Symptoms

It would save lives to know the warning signs. The following are the most symptoms:

• Alterations in bowel pattern (diarrhea, constipation, or thin stool)
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your feces.
• Suggestive stomach ache, cramps or gas that cannot be relieved.
• Will the bowel not empty sufficiently.
• Weight loss you can't explain
• The patient feels weaker or fatigued because of anemia.

Dr. Bharat Pothuri states that such symptoms may occur in case of less severe problems as well.

3. What Increases Your Risk?

There are persons who have a bigger chance of being affected by colorectal cancer. You're at higher risk if you:

• Over 50 (but it is and is increasing to younger people as well).
• Families have a history of colorectal cancer.
• Colon malignancies or diseases such as Crohns and colitis.
• Consume plenty of red or processed meat.
• Don't get enough exercise
• Heavy smokes or takes alcohol.
• Suffers some genetic clusters such as Lynch syndrome or FAP.

We know what you are at risk of, so we can develop a screening plan that is the most effective with you, runs Dr. Pothuri.

4. How Does It Develop?

This is just a basic examination of the way colorectal cancer develops:

• On the colon wall there is the appearance of small clumps of cells (polyps).
• A number of such polyps (adenomas) may develop into cancer with time.
• Cancer transpires to the wall of the colon or lymph nodes.
• Other organs such as the liver or lungs could get infected unless it is treated.

The prevention of cancer before occurrence can be done by removing the polyps in a colonoscopy.

5. Screening Saves Lives

Screening identifies polyps or cancer even prior to the occurrence of symptoms. Here's a quick guide:

Talk to your Houston physician about what best test would suit you.

6. Cancer Stages Explained

Knowledge of the stage aids the physicians in making the appropriate choice of treatment:

• Level 0: Very early only in the lining.
• Stage I: In the wall, but not above.
• Stage II: Behind wall, in no lymph nodes.
• Stage III: Metastasis to the glands.
• Stage IV: Metastasis to other body organs such as liver or lungs.

The stages assist in informing your treatment and recovery plan.

7. How Is It Treated?

Lifestyle drugs are dependent on the stage of and the health. Here are the common options:

• Surgery:
  • Removes polyps or section of colon.
  • May can involve stoma making (colostomy).
• Chemotherapy:
  • The use of medicine to destroy cancer cells.
  • Often used after surgery
• Radiation Therapy:
  • Deploys the use of high-energy rays in order to shrink or destroy tumors.
  • More prevalent in the case of rectal cancer.
• Targeted or Immunotherapy:
  • Kills specific cancer cells or stimulates your growth.
  • Usually for advanced stages

Team approach in Houston is employed in Houston, according to Dr. Bharat Pothuri. Says, each plan is customized.

8. Sprinkling a Brighter Day over Families

These are the diet and lifestyle changes that can help you reduce your risk:

• Eat More:
  • Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans.
  • Has lean protein such as fish and chicken, tofu.
• Eat Less:
  • Red or processed meats
  • Sugary drinks
• Other Tips:
  • Do 150 minutes a week of exercise.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Stop smoking and reduce drinking.
  • Stress reducing practices such as walking or Yoga.

If you practice good habits, your risk can be reduced by approximately 40%.

9. What's the Outlook?

This gives you a window of hope over your survival based on cancer detectiveness:

• Stage I (Localized): About 91%
• Stage II–III (Regional): About 72%
• Stage IV (Distant spread): Approximately 14 percent.

The difference is in early detection. Screening is so significant because of this reason.

More Resources

• National Cancer Institute: Overview.
• Mayo Clinic: Causes & Symptoms.
• CDC: Colorectal Cancer Program.

Final Thoughts

Gastrodoxs is deeply concerned about this Houston community. Call us with questions in relation to colorectal cancer, screenings, and prevention. Act! Personally-mandate action-towards good health and early diagnosis.

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.