A malignant tumor that grows excessively in the large intestine, which is the last part of the digestive system, and has the ability to spread to surrounding tissues and distant organs
is called colon cancer. Polyps are masses that appear protruding from the intestinal wall. These polyps can grow over time and become cancerous tissue that can spread to the intestinal wall or other
organs.
Feces stored in the rectum, the last part of the approximately 1.5 meter long colon, pass through the anus
It is excreted through the anus.
FREQUENCY OF LARGE BOWEL CANCER
Colon cancer is the most common type of cancer in Western societies. When the distribution of the incidence of cancer types of the Ministry of Health is examined; Colon cancers rank second
.
RISK GROUPS
Age and family history are the most important risk factors. Although colon cancer can occur at any age, more than 90% of patients are over 40 years old. After this age, the risk
increases.
In the family (first and second degree relatives) and/or in oneself;
-History of colon cancer,
- Having a history of colon polyps
-Those with breast, ovarian and uterine cancer,
-Individuals over 50 years of age
>SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER
Anal bleeding, unexplained anemia/pallor, change in bowel habits,
constipation-diarrhea, intestinal obstruction and unexplained weight loss are the leading symptoms.
>
TREATMENT
All patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer need surgical treatment for full recovery
. With surgical methods, cancer and the part of the colon and lymph areas that need to be removed scientifically are removed. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used in addition to surgical treatment.
If cancer is diagnosed and treated early, 80-90% of patients regain their health. If the diagnosis is made in the late stages, the chance of recovery drops to 50% or less. In some of these patients
after removal of the large intestine, the remaining large intestine may need to be opened to the abdominal wall
. In this process It is called colostomy opening. In short, it is not necessary to use a bag (colostomy) in every surgery.
STAGE OF CANCER: The stage of the cancer, how deep the cancer has spread in the intestinal tissue
and the lymphoma of the cancer. It is related to whether it has spread to the nodes or other organs.
CHEMOTHERAPY:
Drugs used to destroy cancer cells are called chemotherapy. Most
patients need to receive chemotherapy after surgery.
The reason for this is; After surgical removal of the tumor, remnants of cancer cells may remain in the body. If they are not destroyed, these remaining cancer cells can multiply, grow, and spread (metastasize).
RADIOTHERAPY:
Radiation therapy, also called radiation therapy, is used in the treatment of colon cancer at the end of the colon. It is a treatment method used in rectum cancers.
.
.
HOW TO PREVENT LARGE BOWEL CANCER?
Removal of large intestine polyps. It prevents the development of cancer. For this reason
for this reason, large intestine cancer is a preventable disease
In order to prevent diseases before they develop, to detect them at an early stage and to treat them successfully
the health check-up of healthy individuals is called screening.
For people who are not in the risk group for colon and rectum cancer, starting from the age of 40, a rectal examination and fecal occult blood test are recommended every year. Other examinations that can be performed every 5-
10 years or colonoscopy every 10 years after the age of 50.
WHAT TO DO FOR PREVENTION?
Doing physical exercise: Research has shown that the risk of developing many cancers, including colon cancer, is reduced in individuals who exercise regularly. 5 days a week, 30-60 minutes. Moderate to moderate
intensity or 150 calories of exercise per day should be exercised.
Getting Rid of Excess Weight: Excess weight increases the risk of cancer.
Not Smoking: Smoking is like other cancers. Its use also greatly increases the risk of colon cancer
.
Avoiding Excessive Alcohol: Studies have shown that alcohol increases the risk of colon cancer
Healthy Food Consumption: Nutritional habits also play an important role in preventing colon cancer.
It is recommended to choose foods with high fiber and low fat content. These
Even if prevention methods are fully applied, they may not prevent the development of colon cancer.
As a result, care should be taken in cases of change in defecation habits and blood in the stool.
Care should be taken. The most important thing is to perform screening
tests and physical examinations, especially for individuals in the high-risk class.
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