In our country, colorectal cancer ranks third among all cancers.
The large intestine is approximately 1.5 meters long and forms the part of the digestive system that comes after the small intestines. The last 20 cm of the large intestine is called the rectum, and it ends with the anus in the rectum.
Food comes to the large intestine after being digested in the stomach and small intestines. All nutrients that are beneficial for the body are absorbed in the stomach, duodenum and small intestines, while more water is absorbed in the large intestine. Thus, the food consumed turns into feces in the large intestines and is expelled through the anus.
As it is known, cancer is the unstoppable, uncontrollable abnormal proliferation of cells. Colon cancer develops from the mucosa covering the inner surface of the intestine.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
* Although large intestine cancer can be seen at any age, it is more than 70-80 percent Most of them are seen after the age of 50.
* If there is a history of colon cancer in the family, the risk of developing it at an early age increases even more.
* Not being physically active,
* A diet rich in animal fat and low in fiber,
* Having polyps in the large intestine,
* Having an inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) and being in the person's family. The presence of intestinal polyps.
WHAT ARE COLON POLYPS, DO THEY TURN INTO CANCER?
Polyp can occur in every organ in the body that has mucosa, and it can also originate from the inner mucosa of the large intestine. It is shaped like a skin tag and is widely attached to the mucosa from which it originates, with or without a stalk. Although polyps can be seen in every part of the large intestine, they are most common on the left side of the intestine, called the descending part. They are seen in 25 percent of people around the age of 50, and 25 percent of them are high risk. This means that they have a high risk of turning into cancer. Since 90 percent of bowel cancers arise from these polyps, it is important to detect, remove and follow up these polyps.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
-Changes in defecation habits,
-Frequent diarrhea or constipation,
-Intestines Feeling of incomplete emptying, bloating and gas complaints,
-Blood in the stool,
-Thinning of the diameter of the stool,
-Unknown weight loss,
-Nausea, vomiting,
-Long-lasting weakness.
HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS?
Imaging of the intestinal system is important in diagnosis. . Searching for occult blood in the stool after the age of 40 is an important method in the early diagnosis of bowel cancer. In these patients, a lighted system called colonoscopy is entered through the anus and all parts of the large intestine, from the small intestine to the small intestine, are monitored. If any polyp or abnormal tissue is encountered, if possible, the entire polyp is removed and sent to pathology and the patient is followed up.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS?
-Fecal occult blood test,
-Those who have a family history of colon cancer should have a colonoscopy after the age of 40, and those who have no complaints should have a colonoscopy after the age of 50. It is important for them to have periodic colonoscopy every 1-3 years. This cancer, which originates from the internal mucosa of the large intestine, can present itself with sudden intestinal obstruction if not diagnosed early and may result in death if surgical intervention is not performed on time.
TREATMENT
The treatment for bowel cancer is surgery. Removing the cancerous part through surgery forms the basis of surgery. And let's not forget, dear readers, that life does not forgive those who are late. Wishes make people miserable. As the danger grows, so do the wishes. Let's all leave the darkness, the fear, the regret in the past and run towards the light beyond the gate. And let's know that there is nothing more than health... Pay attention to mask, distance and hygiene.
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