New Delhi, March 31 (IANS): A 15-year-old Afghan boy, who was suffering from severe cancer of the intestine, successfully underwent surgery here, hospital authorities said on Tuesday.

Amir, a budding cricket player, started experiencing weight loss, blood in the stools and tiredness. His decreasing appetite was a major cause of concern not just while playing but also while performing other day-to-day activities.

These issues became a hurdle between him and his selection in the country's national team.

Consultations with several doctors in Afghanistan went in vain as the problem could not be diagnosed. One of the reasons behind it also was the lack of proper medical facilities in war-torn Afghanistan.

On the advice of a family friend, who got treated for his cardiac ailments in India, Amir's parents then came to Delhi and consulted health experts at the Nova Apollo Hospitals here.

The diagnosis came as a shock for everyone in the family, including Amir. He was suffering from colon cancer, a form of cancer that is considered rare at his age.

Colon cancer, also known as rectal cancer, is the development of cancer (abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body) in parts of the large intestine.

Signs and symptoms may include blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, and feeling of exhaustion all the time.

"Usually people with colon cancer show no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. And when symptoms appear, they are likely to vary from person to person depending on cancer size, stage and location."

"Like in Amir's case, the symptoms were of weight loss, poor stamina, loss of appetite, followed by severe pain in abdomen region and blood in his stools," said Ashish Bhanot, chief bariatric and surgical gastroentrology surgeon at Nova Apollo Hospitals.

A laparoscopic surgery was performed on Amir, in which very small holes were made in his abdomen and the cancerous growth removed. Subsequently, he recovered quickly.

"Within five days of surgery his intestine became functional and he started tolerating a liquid diet. Gradually it was possible for him to take normal food. He is getting fit now. However, his medication and medical check ups will continue for some time," Bhanot said.

Speaking about the occurrence of cancer among youth, Bhanot said anyone, irrespective of age, can be a victim or a survivor of cancer, depending on their will power.

"If one notices any symptoms such as blood in the stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, don't take it casually and make an appointment with your doctor because with a deadly disease like cancer, your chances of survival depends on how soon you get it diagnosed," he said.