Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men, the second most common in women, and the third type of cancer that causes death, causing the death of 655,000 people in the world every year.
Colon cancer is asymptomatic and slowly progresses. Cancer especially threatens people aged 50 and over.
The part of the body from the end of the small intestine to the anus is called the Colon (large intestine). Nutritional habits and genetic factors play an active role in the development of colon cancer.
Which age groups are at risk of colon cancer?
Colon cancer is most common in people over the age of 50, on average between the ages of 65-70. Those who do not have colon cancer at an early age in their family are less likely to develop this disease under the age of 40, but this probability gradually increases from the age of 40-50.
Which Factors Are Effective in Colon Cancer?
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The presence of pieces of meat called "polyps" in the colon and inner part of the intestine increases the risk. Even if the person has previously been diagnosed with colon cancer and received treatment, the risk continues.
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Patients with ovarian, uterine and breast cancer are also at risk for colon cancer. Smoking increases the risk of colon cancer.
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Eating habits have a significant impact on colon cancer. Eating habits that are poor in fiber, rich in red meat but poor in fruits and vegetables increase the risk.
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Environmental factors such as low selenium level, inflammatory bowel diseases, some types of viruses, industrialized countries ( fast food, processed foods), heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of colon cancer.
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Intake of vitamin B6 reduces the risk of cancer.
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Physically active people have a lower risk of getting cancer.
What Does "Inherited Colon Cancer" Mean?
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If there is a diagnosis of bowel cancer in the familial genetic definition, the person with this history is more likely to develop bowel cancer due to a mutated gene. These conditions are defined scientifically as follows: may mention; If at least two relatives from the same wing of the family (mother, uncle, grandmother) have bowel cancer, if one of the close relatives has bowel cancer before the age of 50, or if there is bowel cancer or uterine cancer in the same wing of the family, these increase the genetic predisposition. Necessary tests should be performed for early diagnosis starting from the age of 40.
What should be done for early diagnosis?
For this purpose, colorectal cancer screening is performed. In colorectal cancer screening, screening for occult blood in the stool, colon radiography called medicated bowel film, colonoscopy, examination with Computed Tomography called virtual colonoscopy, and DNA tests in the stool may be performed. Among these methods, the most appropriate method is Colonoscopy, which allows both direct diagnosis and, if necessary, removal and treatment of cancer-indicating polyps that may be seen during the procedure. It is appropriate to screen everyone in society aged 50 and over, and if there is another reason that will increase the risk of colon cancer, it is appropriate to perform these screenings at earlier ages depending on the risk.
How is Colon Cancer Treated?
When cancer is detected at an early stage on polyps removed during colonoscopy, surgery may not be required, and these patients are closely monitored. If the cancer is at an advanced stage, surgery can be performed either directly or after reducing the tumor burden with drug treatment called chemotherapy, depending on the condition. The surgery can be performed openly or via a closed procedure called laparoscopic. Sometimes, in very advanced stages, in patients with intestinal obstruction and abdominal bloating who undergo urgent surgery, the end of the intestine can be removed into the abdomen. Later, depending on the doctor's decision, medication or radiation therapy may be added to the treatment.
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