Let's know exactly about colorectal cancer: Don't be afraid, be aware!

Many of us are afraid when we hear the word cancer. But there are some cancers that, if we are fully aware of them and get the necessary tests done on time, we can completely protect ourselves from them and can even recognize and cure them at an early stage. Colorectal cancer is one such disease. It can develop very quietly inside the body without any symptoms in the early stages. So, today we will talk about everything about this, very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is colorectal cancer?

Simply put, this is a cancer that occurs in our colon or rectum. Both are parts of our digestive system. After the food we eat passes through the stomach and small intestine, it reaches the large intestine. It is there that the body absorbs the water and nutrients it needs from that food. Then the remaining solid waste, which is feces, is temporarily stored in the rectum and then excreted from the body.

Cancer occurs when cells in the lining of the colon or rectum start to grow out of control. This is often a very slow-growing, "silent" tumor . So you may not notice any symptoms until the tumor is very large. But the best thing is that regular screening exams can detect this cancer or small growths (polyps) that could become cancer early.

Are there types of colon cancer?

Yes, there are several main types of this cancer, depending on the type of cell from which it starts. But don't overthink it and get confused. Your doctor will explain these to you.

Who is at higher risk of developing this cancer?

Anyone can develop this disease, but certain factors can increase your risk. See if any of these apply to you.

• If you or someone in your family has had colon cancer or polyps (small growths) in the past.
• If you eat too much processed meats and red meats .
• If you have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) , such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• If you have certain hereditary medical conditions (e.g. Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - FAP, HNPCC).
• Obesity .
• Smoking .
• Lack of physical exercise .
• Excessive alcohol consumption .
• Having Type 2 Diabetes .

What are the symptoms of this?

As mentioned earlier, there may be no symptoms in the early stages. However, as the cancer progresses, these symptoms may appear. If you have one or more of these symptoms for a long time, be sure to see a doctor .

• A long-term change in your bowel habits (e.g. alternating between diarrhea and constipation).
• If you continue to feel like your stomach hasn't completely emptied after going to the bathroom.
• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool.
• Stools that are thinner than usual.
• Persistent stomach discomfort or cramps.
• Weight loss for no reason.
• Extreme fatigue and paleness caused by a decrease in red blood cells (anemia ).
• Catching a tumor in the stomach or rectum.

How to diagnose the disease? - Tests

When you go to see a doctor, he will examine you, palpate your abdomen, and, if necessary, recommend one or more of these tests.

• Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard . It is the best and most accurate test. A thin, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted through the anus and the entire colon is examined. If there are polyps (growths), they can be removed at the same time and a small piece (biopsy) can be taken for examination.
• Stool Tests: These tests are done to check for small amounts of blood in the stool that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. The FIT test is one such test.
• Biopsy: During a colonoscopy, a small piece of tissue is taken from a suspicious area and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
• CT Scan: A CT scan may be done to see if the cancer has spread to other organs outside the colon.

What are the treatments?

If you are diagnosed with cancer, don't panic. Today, there are many effective treatments for this. Doctors will consider many factors, such as the stage of your cancer and your overall health, to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

Surgery

Early-stage cancers and polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. If the cancer is large, surgery is performed to remove the part of the colon that contains the cancer (partial colectomy).

Chemotherapy

This involves giving the body drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. These are given as pills or through an IV. This treatment is used to shrink a tumor before surgery or to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Radiation Therapy

This involves using high-energy rays (like X-rays) to destroy cancer cells. This method is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy for rectal cancer.

Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

These are relatively new and very effective treatments. Targeted therapies deliver drugs that attack specific targets found only on cancer cells. Immunotherapy stimulates our own immune system to fight cancer cells.

How can you avoid cancer?

It is said that "it is better to prevent the disease before it develops than to treat it after it develops." So there are several things we can do to protect ourselves from this cancer.

1. A healthy lifestyle:

• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (such as brisk walking, running, cycling).
• Maintain a healthy weight .

2. A proper diet:

• Eat more fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains).
• Limit red meat and processed meats (such as sausages, meatballs).

3. Regular Screening:

• This is the most important thing . It is now recommended that if you are not at risk, you should start getting regular screenings starting at the age of 45 .
• The best way is to have a colonoscopy every 10 years.
• If someone in your family has had this cancer, you may want to start screening at an even younger age. Talk to your doctor about this.