The word "cancer" scares us all a little, right? But did you know that some types of cancer, especially colon cancer, which we're going to talk about, can be almost completely cured if detected early ? Many people are embarrassed or afraid to talk about changes in their toilet habits, or about blood in their stool. But putting that embarrassment and fear aside and talking to a doctor could be the reason you save your life. So let's talk about this openly and simply today.
What is colorectal cancer?
Simply put, inside our stomach there is a long tube-like system that digests the food we eat and expels it from the body as waste. This cancer occurs in the second part of this, that is, the large intestine (also called the `colon`) and the rectum (`rectum`). Sometimes small, fleshy growths form on the inner wall of this tube. We medically call these polyps ``Polyps``.
Imagine, one in four adults over the age of 50 may have at least one polyp. But don't worry, not all of these polyps are cancerous. Most are harmless. However, some of these types, especially the type called adenomatous polyps, can turn into cancer over time.
The larger the polyp, the higher the risk of it becoming cancerous. For example, a polyp smaller than 1 centimeter has a 1% chance of becoming cancerous, while a polyp larger than 2 centimeters has a 40% chance of becoming cancerous.
Here's the important thing: If this cancer is detected and treated early, when the tumor is still confined to the intestinal wall , the chance of a complete cure is as high as 90%. That means nine out of ten people will be cured!
But if treatment is delayed, these cancer cells can break through the intestinal wall and spread throughout the body to nearby lymph nodes, other tissues, organs such as the liver, or the blood. Once they have spread, treatment becomes very difficult. Depending on the extent of the disease, the chance of survival can decrease from 11% to 72%.
What are the risk factors for developing this cancer?
Although it is not possible to say for sure that this is the only cause of this cancer, doctors have identified several risk factors that increase the risk of developing this disease. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Risk Factor | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Age | The risk increases significantly after the age of 50. The risk increases further as you get older. |
| Family History | If one of your close relatives (mother, father, sibling, child) has had this cancer, you are also at higher risk. If several relatives have had it, the risk is even higher. |
| Other Diseases | If you or someone in your family has had colon polyps or cancer in the past, or if you have inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis) or Crohn's disease, your risk is higher. |
| Genetic conditions that are passed down from generation to generation (Heredity) | Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing this disease. People with conditions like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) develop large numbers of polyps at a very young age. These people are at a much higher risk of developing cancer. |
| Diet | Research is still ongoing on this. However, people who eat more vegetables and fruits seem to have a lower risk. Some studies show that people who eat a lot of animal fat and protein, especially red meat (beef, pork), are at higher risk. There is also a belief that carcinogens can form, especially when cooked at high temperatures (e.g., barbecued). |
| Lifestyle | Smoking and drinking more than 4 alcoholic drinks per week also increase the risk. |
| Past Surgeries & Radiation | If you have had this cancer before (especially before the age of 60), there is a risk of it coming back. Also, if you have had radiation treatment to the abdomen, the risk of cancer in that area may increase. |
Put your shame aside and meet the doctor.
The most important message I have for you reading this article is this: If you notice a sudden change in your bowel habits (e.g., frequent bowel movements, constipation, or a change in the frequency of bowel movements), blood in your stool, frequent abdominal discomfort or pain, or unexplained weight loss, please do not ignore it.
Don't think, "Oh, how can you tell a doctor this?" Your doctor is someone who talks to patients about these things every day and treats them. It's part of his profession. Your life is worth more than your shame.
If you go and show this to a doctor early, maybe a simple test (like an endoscopy) can find something like a polyp and remove it, preventing a big problem. So don't be afraid or embarrassed to see your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Colorectal cancer often begins with small, fleshy growths called polyps.
- Early detection and removal of these polyps can prevent cancer from developing.
- The risk of developing this cancer increases significantly after the age of 50.
- Your diet, lifestyle (smoking/alcohol), and family medical history are major risk factors.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as a change in toilet habits or passing blood in your stool, don't be shy and see your doctor immediately. Remember, early detection can save lives!
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment