Colon cancer is the second type of cancer with the highest mortality rate. There are many factors that cause colon cancer, which is frequently encountered in the world and in our country. It is vital to be aware of these factors and take precautions accordingly. The most effective way to prevent colon cancer, which has 10 different risk factors from age to insufficient physical activity, from genetic predisposition to excessive consumption of processed meat, is to have a regular screening test starting from the age of 45.
EVERY YEAR, 35 THOUSAND PEOPLE ARE DIAGNOSED WITH LARGE BOTTOM
Medicana International Ankara Hospital Radiation Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Kaan Oysul reminded that March was declared as “Large Intestine Awareness Month” to draw attention to colon cancer, also known as colon cancer. Stating that colon cancer is seen in 25 of every 100 thousand men and 15 of every 100 thousand women in our country, Oysul said that approximately 35 thousand people are diagnosed with large intestine every year and 12 thousand people die due to this disease. Oysul stated that the most effective way to protect against the risk of colon cancer is to have a regular screening test starting from the age of 45.
SCREENING TESTS MUST ALSO BE DONE ON HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS
Noting that screening tests should also be done in healthy individuals who do not have complaints, Oysul said, “Benign tumors called polyps turn into cancer over time. More than 90 percent of colon cancers can be prevented if these polyps are removed before cancer occurs. This is perhaps the most important feature that distinguishes colon cancers from other cancers. The remaining 10 percent are caught during screening, in the early stage, when the treatment is most successful, and necessary treatments are given.
THE RISK OF ACCESSING CANCER OF THE LARGE BOTTOM INCREASE WITH AGE
Doctor Oysul stated that early diagnosis and intervention in cancer, which he defines as uncontrolled cell proliferation originating from different cells in the body, is much more valuable than treatments in advanced stages. Emphasizing that the risk of developing colon cancer increases with age, Oysul gave the following information about other risk factors:
“Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, family history of colon polyps and cancer, genetic diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome, lack of physical activity, diet poor in fruits and vegetables, low fiber and high-fat diet, over-processed meat consumption, overweight and obesity, and tobacco and alcohol use are the main risk factors for colon cancer.”
SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF THERE ARE CHANGES IN YOUR BOTTOM HABITS
Doctor Kaan Oysul stated that in the presence of polyps in large intestine cancers, the patient did not have any complaints. Oysul gave the following information regarding the post-cancerous symptoms:
“Changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, constipation, diarrhea or a feeling of fullness in the intestines, abdominal pain, weight loss complaints may indicate colon cancer. In the presence of these complaints, please see your doctor.”
THE IMPORTANT IS TO PREVENT THE DISEASE WITHOUT CANCER
prof. Dr. Kaan Oysul stated that surgery, drug therapy and radiotherapy are used in treatment according to the location and stage of the disease, adding that the important thing is to prevent this disease before it becomes cancer and to eliminate the need for treatment.