Colon (Colorectal) Cancers

Colon cancers are cancers that start in the colon or rectum. It is the third most common type of cancer among both men and women in Turkey.

What are the risk factors for bowel cancer?

The exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown and it is the most common cancer. Known risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese

• Not being physically active

• Consumption of excessive amounts of processed food or red meat

• Alcohol Use

• Smoking

• Advanced age

• Similar cancer history in the family

• Some Genetic Diseases:

• Having had colorectal cancer before: A person with a history of colorectal cancer may develop colorectal cancer again.

• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease: In the intestine. The risk of colorectal cancer is increased in those with the mentioned inflammatory disease.

Symptoms

• Diarrhea in bowel habits. Changes such as constipation occur and these changes last for more than a few days

• The feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestine

• Blood in the stool (shiny or dark red), or darkening of stool color

• Abdominal bloating, cramp-like pain or gas complaint

• Weight gain without a known reason loss

• Constant fatigue

How is the diagnosis made?

Like other cancers, colon cancers do not cause symptoms until they grow larger. Therefore, the aim should be to detect the tumor before there are any symptoms of cancer. Screening a person for cancer before symptoms develop helps in early recognition of polyps and cancer. Early recognition and removal of polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. The following tests are performed in the diagnosis of bowel cancer.

• Colonoscopy

• Sigmoidoscopy

• Double contrast barium enema

• Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonoscopy)

• Fecal occult blood test

• DNA stool tests

Colon If a polyp is seen during scopy, it can be removed without the need for a second procedure.

Both men and women should have a screening colonoscopy at the age of 50, even if they have no complaints. Those who have a family history of bowel cancer or other risk factors can have a colonoscopy earlier with the recommendation of your doctor.

According to the results of the colonoscopy, your doctor will tell you when your next colonoscopy should be.

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