Medical Park Tokat Hospital General Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Mustafa Kemal Dursun made statements about colorectal cancer (colon cancer) on the occasion of March 1-31 Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
Emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis in colon cancer, as in every cancer, Op. Dr. Dursun, Colon cancer is a highly treatable disease with early detection. The incidence rate is slightly higher in men than in women.
Referring to the relationship between diet and colon cancer, Op. Dr. Dursun said, “Obesity, lack of physical activity, diet rich in red meat and processed meats and carbohydrates, smoking and alcohol use increase the risk of colon cancer. Nutrition with fibrous foods and vitamins A, C and E have a protective effect.
Explaining the cause of colon cancer, Op. Dr. Dursun shared the following information:
“The vast majority of colon cancer is caused by polyps. Cancer development from polyps takes about 10-15 years. If these polyps are detected and removed early, they reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Screening should be started at the age of 40 in people at risk. Endoscopic methods for screening are the gold standard.”
Talking about the symptoms seen in colon cancer, Op. Dr. Dursun said, “The most common symptoms of colon cancer are changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation and blood in the stool. Abdominal pain may be unexplained weight loss.
Saying that the treatment of colon cancer is usually done surgically, Op. Dr. Dursun said, “Chemotherapy may be required before or after surgery. Some patients may require a colostomy (opening the intestine to the skin) procedure. Depending on the cancer characteristics, open surgery, laparoscopy or robotic surgery can be performed. In necessary cases, chemotherapy can be applied to the abdomen during surgery. The course of colon cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis. Therefore, early diagnosis is of vital importance.”