Have you recently noticed a sudden change in your toilet habits, stomach discomfort, or blood in your stool? These may be normal. But sometimes they can be a sign of something we definitely need to pay attention to. Today we're talking about a topic that many people are reluctant to talk about, but that we all need to be aware of. That's colon and rectal cancer.
What is colorectal cancer?
Simply put, this cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the inner wall of our digestive system, the colon and rectum. The colon is the final part of our body's digestive system. It absorbs water and nutrients from the food we eat. The remaining solid waste, called feces, is stored in the rectum.
Most of the time, this cancer starts as a "silent cancer." That is, it grows slowly without showing any symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may be quite advanced. But the best thing is that if this cancer is detected early, it can be completely cured and we can take steps to prevent it. That is why regular screening is very important.
How does this cancer occur?
Most of these cancers start as small growths (polyps) that form on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Not all polyps are cancerous, but some types can develop into cancer over time.
There are mainly two types of meatballs:
| Polyp Type | Risk of cancer |
|---|---|
| Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps | These are usually less likely to become cancerous, but if they are large, your doctor may recommend removing them. |
| Adenomas or adenomatous polyps | These are precancerous conditions. If left untreated, they can become cancerous. |
Main type of cancer
Of these cancers, 96% belong to a type called adenocarcinoma , which arises from the mucus-producing cells of the colon and rectum.
Who is most at risk of developing this cancer?
Anyone can develop this cancer, but some people are at a higher risk. Check to see if you have any of the risk factors below.
| Risk Factor | Learn about this |
|---|---|
| Being over 45 years of age | The risk increases with age. |
| Family history | If anyone in your family (parents, siblings, children) has had this cancer or melanoma. |
| Diet | Eating too much red meat (beef, pork) and processed meats (like sausages, bacon). |
| Other intestinal diseases | If you have diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis . |
| Genetic conditions | Some hereditary conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). |
| Lifestyle | Obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption. |
| Other diseases | Having type 2 diabetes. |
What are the symptoms of this cancer?
As mentioned earlier, there may be no symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, one or more of the following symptoms may appear. If you continue to have these symptoms, it is best to see a doctor.
The important thing is that not everyone with these symptoms has cancer, but it's not a good idea to ignore them either.
| Symptom | How you feel |
|---|---|
| Change in toilet habits | Persistent constipation or diarrhea. |
| Blood in the stool | Blood stains in the stool or stools turning dark black. |
| Stomach discomfort | Persistent stomach pain, bloating, or gas. |
| Incomplete bowel emptying | Feeling like you still have to defecate after going to the toilet. |
| Weight loss for no reason | If you lose weight without trying. |
| Frequent fatigue | Feeling extremely tired and weak for no particular reason (this could be due to anemia). |
How does the doctor diagnose this? (Diagnosis)
When you go to see a doctor, he will examine you, ask about your symptoms, and refer you for the necessary tests.
Colonoscopy
This is the most accurate and standard test for detecting colon cancer. A thin, flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) is inserted through the anus to examine the entire colon. If any polyps are seen, they can be removed immediately or a small sample (biopsy) can be taken for testing.
Other tests
- Stool Tests: These tests look for tiny amounts of blood in the stool that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. If this test shows anything, a colonoscopy may be recommended next.
- CT Colonography: This is a special CT scan. Some people also call it a "virtual colonoscopy."
- Biopsy: A small piece of tissue taken during a colonoscopy is examined in a laboratory to determine if cancer cells are present.
What are the treatments?
If cancer is confirmed, the treatment plan will depend on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer and your overall health. Your doctor will talk to you about the treatment plan that is best for you.
- Surgery: Early stage cancer and polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. If the cancer has spread a little, a section of the colon with the cancer may be removed surgically.
- Chemotherapy: This involves giving drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. This can be given before or after surgery.
- Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays (like X-rays) to kill cancer cells. This is often given together with chemotherapy.
- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These are modern treatments that specifically target and attack cancer cells, or stimulate our body's own immune system to fight cancer.
What can we do to prevent cancer?
This is the most important part. There are many things we can do to protect ourselves from this cancer.
1. Healthy diet:
- Eat more fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains).
- Limit your intake of red meat and processed meats .
2. Exercise regularly:
- Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
3. Maintain a healthy weight:
- Obesity increases the risk of cancer.
4. Avoid smoking and alcohol:
- Both of these are habits that contribute to many cancers.
5. Get tested at the right age (Screening):
- This is extremely important. For people at average risk, it is now recommended to start regular screening at age 45. Talk to your doctor to decide which screening method is right for you and how often you should have it done.
If you are at higher risk (for example, if someone in your family has had it), your doctor may recommend starting screening before age 45.
Take-Home Message
- Colon cancer is a completely curable disease if detected early. It can also be prevented.
- Be aware of symptoms such as a change in toilet habits, blood in the stool, and persistent stomach pain.
- Even if you don't have any symptoms, getting regular screenings (especially colonoscopies) after the age of 45 can be life-saving.
- A healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise) can reduce the risk.
- Don't be shy about talking about this. If you have any doubts or symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment