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Cancers of the stomach, colon (large intestine) and rectum are often called “pet ka cancer” or “aant ka cancer”. Their early signs look like everyday problems — acidity, gas, piles or constipation — so people often self-treat for months. This guide explains which signs need a doctor, which tests are used, and how these cancers are treated.
Stomach cancer (gastric cancer)
Warning signs
- Indigestion or acidity that keeps returning after 40, especially if new.
- Feeling full after a few bites, loss of appetite, weight loss.
- Vomiting, sometimes with blood, or black tarry stools.
- Anaemia (low haemoglobin) and tiredness.
Risk factors
H. pylori infection, smoking, very salty or smoked foods, a family history, and previous stomach surgery.
Colon and rectal cancer (colorectal cancer)
Warning signs
- Blood in stool or bleeding from the back passage. Do not assume it is piles. See blood in stool guide.
- A change in bowel habit for more than 3–4 weeks: new constipation, loose motions or thin stools.
- Tummy pain, a lump, or feeling that the bowel has not emptied.
- Unexplained anaemia, weight loss and tiredness.
Risk factors
Age above 45–50, a family history of bowel cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, smoking, alcohol, and diets high in processed meat and low in fibre. Colorectal cancer is now also seen in younger Indians.
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Tests that confirm the diagnosis
- Upper GI endoscopy — a thin camera tube through the mouth to see the stomach and take a biopsy.
- Colonoscopy — a camera through the back passage to see the colon and rectum, remove polyps and take biopsies. Bowel preparation the day before is important.
- Biopsy — confirms cancer and its type. See biopsy explained.
- CT scan of chest and abdomen; MRI pelvis for rectal cancer — to see spread and plan treatment.
- Blood tests — haemoglobin, liver tests, CEA. CEA is used for follow-up, not to diagnose. See tumour markers.
- Biomarker tests — HER2 in stomach cancer; MSI/MMR, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF in colorectal cancer. These guide targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Treatment options
- Surgery — the main treatment for most early cancers: part or all of the stomach (gastrectomy), or the affected part of the bowel (colectomy) with lymph nodes. Some low rectal cancers may need a temporary or permanent stoma (bag). See preparing for surgery.
- Chemotherapy — before and/or after surgery, or as main treatment for advanced disease. See chemotherapy guide.
- Radiation therapy (sikai) — commonly used with chemotherapy for rectal cancer before surgery. See radiation therapy.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy — for selected patients based on biomarkers. See targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
- Nutrition support and palliative care — many patients lose weight; a dietitian helps. See nutrition with Indian foods.
Screening and prevention
Colorectal cancer can often be prevented by finding and removing polyps. People over 45–50, or younger with a family history, can ask their doctor about a stool test for hidden blood (FIT) or colonoscopy. Treating H. pylori infection lowers stomach cancer risk. See cancer screening tests.
Questions to ask
- What stage is it, and has the MRI/CT been reviewed in a tumour board?
- Will I need chemotherapy or radiation before surgery?
- Will I need a stoma, and is it temporary?
- What is the written estimate and Ayushman coverage?
Frequently asked questions
Is blood in stool always piles?
No. Piles are common, but bleeding can also come from polyps or cancer. Anyone over 40, or with bleeding plus a change in bowel habit, should get checked.
Is colonoscopy painful?
It is usually done with sedation, so most people feel little. Mild bloating afterwards is common.
Pet ka cancer theek hota hai kya?
Many early stomach and colon cancers are treated successfully with surgery and other treatment. Outcomes depend on stage; your oncologist can explain your situation.
Will I need a colostomy bag?
Not always. It depends on where the tumour is. Many bags are temporary and are reversed later.
Can young people get colon cancer?
Yes. Bleeding or bowel changes should be checked at any age.
You don’t have to face this alone. Ask Disha (chat on this page), call +91 99307 09000, or WhatsApp us. For hospital care in Uttar Pradesh, see ZenHeal Varanasi and ZenHeal Prayagraj.
Related guides
Sources
- NCI: Gastric Cancer Treatment (PDQ); Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ) — cancer.gov
- American Cancer Society: Colorectal Cancer Screening Guideline
- ICMR-NCDIR National Cancer Registry Programme 2020
- Tata Memorial Centre evidence-based guidelines, GI cancers
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