Are you afraid of colon cancer? Let's talk about it simply!

Have you ever been scared when you see blood in your stool or see blood stains on your toilet paper? Or do you constantly have a strange pain in your stomach, a feeling of fullness? Many people in our country think that these symptoms are as normal as "piles" and do not pay much attention to them. But sometimes these may not be as trivial as we think. These may also be the early signs of colon cancer. Don't be afraid or panic now. The most important thing is to be fully aware of this disease and stay alert. Let's talk about everything clearly and simply.

Simply put, what is colon cancer?

Colorectal cancer, or in medical terms, colorectal cancer, is a cancer that develops in the colon or rectum, the last part of our digestive system. It is not something that develops overnight.

Imagine, on the inner wall of our colon, small lumps, like small moles, first form. We call these ``Polyps``. Not all of these lumps become cancerous. However, some types of lumps can gradually change over many years (often about 10 years) and become cancerous cells.

The best part is that if these lumps can be found and removed before they become cancerous, cancer can be prevented altogether. Also, if cancer is detected early, the chances of it being treated and completely cured are much higher.

Be aware of these symptoms too!

Because colon cancer grows very slowly, it may not show any symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they can be similar to other common illnesses. So it's important to be aware of these symptoms.

Why does this cancer develop? What are the risk factors?

There is no single specific cause for colon cancer. However, it occurs when certain changes in the genes of healthy cells in the colon occur (Genetic Mutations), causing those cells to divide and multiply uncontrollably. The cancer cells that form in this way gather together to form polyps and tumors.

Medical research has identified several factors that increase the risk of developing this cancer. Let's take a look at what they are.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor with your symptoms, he will first ask you about your symptoms in detail. Then he will examine your body. In addition, he will recommend several tests to determine the exact cause of your illness.

• Blood Tests: Your blood will be checked for anemia by doing a complete blood count (CBC). Special tests, such as a cancer marker (CEA assay), may also be done.
• Imaging Tests: Tests such as CT scans (Computed Tomography) and MRI scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) can be used to see if there are any cancerous tumors inside the body and how far they have spread.
• Diagnostic Colonoscopy: This is the best and most accurate test for detecting colon cancer. In this test, a gastroenterologist inserts a thin, flexible tube (with a camera attached) through the anus and examines the entire colon through a screen.
• At this time, if there is a suspicious lump (polyp), it can be completely removed or a small piece of it (biopsy) can be taken and sent to the laboratory to confirm whether there are cancer cells.

Once the disease is confirmed through these tests, the stage of the cancer is determined based on where the cancer is, whether it has spread to the lymph nodes, and whether it has spread to other organs. Treatment is planned based on this stage.

What are the treatments?

Don't worry, there are now very effective and advanced treatments for this disease. The treatment method depends on the stage of your cancer, its location, and your overall health.

The main treatment is surgery .

• Polypectomy: Removal of precancerous growths (polyps) during a colonoscopy.
• Colectomy: Surgical removal of the part of the colon where the cancer is located.

In addition to surgery, or before and after surgery, these treatments may also be necessary:

• Chemotherapy: Giving drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Destroying cancer cells using high-energy rays.
• Targeted Therapy: Administering drugs that target specific molecules that affect the growth of cancer cells.

Your doctor will discuss with you and decide on the treatment plan that is best for you.

How can this disease be cured?

This is a question that many people have in mind. The "Survival Rate" is the percentage of patients who are alive 5 years after being diagnosed with the disease. This depends largely on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed.

• In the early stages (Localized): If the cancer is limited to the colon, the 5-year survival rate is as high as 91% .
• Regional: If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes, this percentage is about 73% .
• Distant: If the cancer has spread to distant organs such as the liver and lungs, this percentage drops to 13% .

What should we do to stay safe from cancer?

Although there is no way to 100% prevent cancer, there are many things we can do to reduce the risk.

• A good diet: Reduce your intake of oil, sugar, flour, red meat (beef, pork), and processed meats (sausages, bacon). Instead, eat more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains .
• Avoid smoking: If you smoke, get help to quit. This is one of the biggest benefits to your overall health.
• Limit alcohol: It is important to stop drinking alcohol completely or use it very sparingly.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Control your body weight by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
• Get Screening at the Right Age: This is the most important thing. Even if you don't have any symptoms, it's important to get a screening colonoscopy for colon cancer around the age of 45-50. If someone in your family has the disease, your doctor may recommend starting screening even earlier.

These tests can detect and remove polyps that could become cancerous early, thus preventing the development of cancer.

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