Colon cancer, which is caused by a malignant tumor in the large intestine, is usually seen in people over the age of 50. Experts state that the large intestine should be scanned regularly after a certain age, and point out that low fiber and excessive fat diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity trigger colon cancer.
Regular screening is vital
Polyps may be small and may not cause symptoms if present. Identifying and eliminating polyps before they turn into cancer plays a very important role in preventing colon cancer. Therefore, regular screening of the large intestine after a certain age is very important.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool that lasts for more than four weeks.
-Blood in your stool.
-Ongoing crampy abdominal pain. .
-Feeling that your intestines are not completely empty.
-Weakness or fatigue.
-Unexplained weight loss.
In the early stage There are no symptoms
Even when symptoms appear, the size of the cancer in the large intestine may be untreatable. For this reason, colonoscopy must be performed within a certain age range without any findings.
Colon cancer occurs with DNA damage
It is not clear what causes colon cancer. Colon cancer occurs when errors occur in the DNA, the genetic blueprint of healthy cells in the colon. Healthy cells grow and divide regularly to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell's DNA becomes damaged and cancerous, the cells continue to divide even when the cells are not needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor. Over time, cancer cells invade nearby normal tissues. Cancerous cells may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body via blood and lymphatic pathways.
See these. If you experience blood in your stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, or if you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about when to start colon cancer screening. Guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. If you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease, your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening.
What are the risk factors for colon cancer?
Old age: The majority of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50 years old. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but is much less common.
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps: If you have ever had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps. higher risk of colon cancer in the future.
Inflammatory bowel conditions: Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, may increase your risk of colon cancer. p>
Hereditary syndromes that increase the risk of colon cancer: Genetic syndromes passed down through generations of your family may increase your risk of colon cancer.
Family history of colon cancer: You are more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a parent, sibling or child with the disease.
Low-fiber, high-fat diet: Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet that is low in fiber and high in fat and calories.
A sedentary lifestyle: Engaging in regular physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Diabetes. The risk of colon cancer increases in people with diabetes and insulin resistance.
Obesity: In people who are obese, the risk of colon cancer and colon cancer is higher than in people who are considered normal weight. The risk of death from cancer is high.
Smoking: Smokers may have an increased risk of colon cancer.
Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use increases your risk of colon cancer.
Who should have a colonoscopy?
-Unexplained abdominal pain or weight loss,
-Long-term diarrhea or constipation,
-Anemia that does not respond to treatment,
-Blood in the stool,
-Early diagnosis and treatment of intestinal polyps
Regular colonoscopy should be performed starting from the age of 50
Today, in order to protect against colon cancer, monitoring for the presence of polyps with colonoscopy every 5 years starting from the age of 50, even if there are no complaints, is now an accepted method all over the world. For individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, an earlier follow-up age is recommended. The procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
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