Inactive lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits and genetic factors play a major role in colorectal cancers, which is among the most common types of cancer in our country. For colorectal cancers, which are easy to prevent in some cases and can be diagnosed early with regular screening tests, it is vital for each individual to have regular screening tests after the age of 45. Professor from the Department of General Surgery at Memorial Şişli Hospital. Dr. İlknur Erenler Bayraktar gave information about colorectal cancers.
It is among the most common cancers
Colorectal cancer, which is the third most common type of cancer after lung and prostate cancer in men and the second most common type of cancer in women after breast cancer, is an important health problem. Colorectal cancers are responsible for 8 percent of all cancer deaths. If people have a family history of colorectal cancer before the age of 60 or a polyp with a high risk of cancer, it can be said that these people are at higher risk for colorectal cancers. The lower part of the large intestine, approximately 15 cm, is called the rectum, and the upper 150 cm is called the colon. Colorectal cancers are cancers that develop in the colon and rectum. If the problem started in the colon, it is called colon cancer, if it started in the rectum, it is called rectal cancer. Usually, many colorectal cancers start with a polyp growing on the lining of the large intestine. Although not all polyps turn into cancer, some types of polyps can turn into cancer over time.
Advanced age is a major risk factor
It is possible to prevent colorectal cancers by knowing the risk factors. For example, age is a major risk factor. Colorectal cancers can occur at any age, but most colorectal cancer patients are over the age of 45. For this reason, it is vital that individuals over the age of 45 have regular screening tests. If a person has a family history like this, they have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer in the future. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's diseases are another factor that increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
Eating habits are important
Nutritional habits are also effective on colorectal cancers. While low-fiber, high-fat diets increase the risk of colon cancer; People who consume high amounts of red meat and processed meat are more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Fiber nutrition has an important place in preventing constipation, lowering cholesterol and improving the digestive system. In this way, it is possible to prevent many diseases, especially colorectal cancers. Whole grain foods, seasonal fresh fruits, whole grain breads and crackers, vegetables such as artichokes, corn, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, dried fruits and legumes are examples of fiber-rich foods. Including these foods at every meal and consuming plenty of water is very important for intestinal health. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle also poses a risk for colorectal cancers. People who are sedentary are more likely to develop colon cancer. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Diabetes and insulin resistance, which can develop due to wrong eating habits and sedentary life, may also pave the way for the development of colorectal cancer. In addition, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are other serious risk factors for colorectal cancer.
If you have an upset stomach, beware!
Colorectal cancers do not show symptoms in the early stages. The symptom usually occurs if the tumor grows or spreads to surrounding tissues. The most common colorectal cancer symptoms are; constipation, diarrhea, feeling of not being empty after a bowel movement, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, rectal pain or pressure, a lump in the abdomen or rectum, decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting, anemia, feeling tired, weakness, can be classified as unexplained weight loss. If the cancer has spread to different parts of the body; may cause symptoms such as jaundice, shortness of breath, bone pain. For the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, the patient is examined in detail. In addition, imaging techniques such as blood and stool tests, signoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and proctoscopy can be used. In some cases, a biopsy may be required. A biopsy is a laboratory test that examines a tissue sample.
Can be prevented with regular screening
The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get regular screening. Those with chronic inflammatory diseases; Patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and patients with a family history of cancer or polyps should undergo regular colonoscopic examinations. In this way, the risk of developing cancer can be predicted. Even if all individuals in the society do not have underlying diseases, they should be screened regularly after the age of 50. For this purpose, colonoscopic examination is recommended first and if there is no pathology, it is recommended to be repeated every 10 years.
It may take up to 10 years for polyps to turn into cancer.
Colorectal cancer screening tests allow you to look for cancer or precancerous cancer, even if there are no symptoms. It can take up to 5 to 10 years for polyps to turn into cancer. Early diagnosis helps increase the success of treatment. In order to prevent colorectal cancer, it is important to eat a high fiber and healthy diet, to include exercise in life, and not to smoke or use alcohol. Treatments for people with colorectal cancer are multi-choice. If there is an early stage condition, polyps causing cancer can be removed by colonoscopy, endoscopic mucosal resection or minimally invasive surgery can be preferred. If there is a more advanced condition, an advanced surgical method can be applied. In addition to these, there are options such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted smart drugs for treatment.
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