Colorectal Cancer Is Curable in Sri Lanka

Colorectal cancer (CRC), also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer, affects the colon and rectum. According to the World Health Organization, it is among the top five cancers in Sri Lanka, accounting for 7.8% of all new cases in 2020. "As a single surgeon, I myself operated on six severe cases during the last month," said Dr. Aravinda Dissanayake, leading Cancer Specialist Surgeon at Durdans, "so this shows that this is a growing issue."

Importance of early diagnosis

Early diagnosis is key to a shorter surgery, avoiding chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and a quicker recovery. Due to a lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms, specialists most often see a Stage 3 cancer by the time patients present.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer

A single episode of constipation can be treated with laxatives or a more fibrous diet, but if repeatedly observed, a specialist should be consulted, as it can be an initial signal. Early morning diarrhoea is common, and by the time it prompts a doctor's visit the cancer may already have progressed. Piles or haemorrhoid bleeding, extremely common in Sri Lanka, can also be caused by venous congestion from a cancerous tumour and should be investigated.

Treatment and outcomes

Colorectal cancer is completely curable in Sri Lanka, even at very advanced stages, responding well to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A multi-disciplinary team approach involving specialist surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and histopathologists is the gold standard used throughout diagnosis and treatment at Durdans, including a comprehensive clinical exam, endoscopy, biopsy and imaging via CT, MRI or PET scan. Surgeries take an advanced laparoscopic approach without major abdominal cuts, meaning most cases avoid blood transfusions or ICU care, with early mobilisation and an average hospital stay of just 5 days.

Dr. Aravinda Dissanayake has mastered complex laparoscopic surgery, including sphincter-saving surgeries with no permanent stomas, restoring normal bowel function even at advanced stages of colorectal cancer.