Colon cancer ranks second in cancer deaths in men and women.
Colon cancer is caused by structures called polyps that protrude into the intestinal cavity.
Colon cancer risk is due to dietary habits, It is related to lifestyle and genetic factors. Increasing age and family history increase the risk of colon cancer. The incidence of colon cancer increases significantly in people aged 50 and over.
The latest data have shown that the incidence of colon cancer also increases in people under the age of 50.
Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. The risk of colon cancer increases in diseases. These patients need to have regular colonoscopy follow-ups.
Many patients with early colon cancer do not have any symptoms. Most patients have no family history. Many patients present in advanced stages and mortality rates from the disease are increasing. In colon cancer, signs and symptoms such as weight loss, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, anemia, iron deficiency, diarrhea and constipation may be observed. Precursors of colon cancer are considered to be polyps containing adenoma. After the removal of detected adenomatous polyps and at regular intervals for treated colon cancer patients, colonoscopy checks can be performed.
Colonoscopy can be performed for colon cancer screening in healthy people who do not have any additional risk factors at the age of 50 and every 10 years thereafter. Colonoscopy examination for colon cancer screening for individuals with a family history of colon cancer or adenomatous polyps should be started at earlier ages and repeated at more frequent intervals.
Since the disease progresses and does not cause symptoms until the last stage, it is not recommended for any patient, especially after the age of 50. Even if there are no complaints, a colonoscopy may be required.
Read: 0
