Colon cancer is among the serious types of cancer that is encountered all over the world and puts the lives of millions of people at risk every year. Diet and lifestyle are very important in colon cancer. Although the incidence of this disease increases with age, the age of incidence of colon cancer has begun to decrease to 25 years. General Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Danial Khabbazazar said that the age of colorectal cancer, especially in men, has started to decrease from 50 to 25-49 years in recent years. Dr. Khabbazazar said that young men who experience symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain and blood in the stool should also be examined by a specialist doctor.
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS, SEE A DOCTOR
Kiss. Dr. Danial Khabbazazar said, “Therefore, young individuals should not think, ‘I am young, I will not have cancer,’ if they have complaints such as rectal bleeding or abdominal pain. If these symptoms are seen, we recommend that you be examined by a specialist. Noting that ‘change in defecation habits’ is an important symptom in colon cancer, Khabbazazar said, “It is necessary to act carefully, especially in the case of blood in the stool. This bleeding can sometimes be confused with benign diseases in the breech region (hemorrhoids or breech tear). In these cases, the patient should be seen by a general surgeon. In addition, if there is anemia without a cause, the patient should be evaluated in this regard. It is also important if there is constant fatigue and weakness, because many of these conditions are caused by anemia. It needs to be evaluated,” he said.
COLONOSCOPY MUST BE DONE REGULARLY
Stating that occult blood in stools over the age of 50 is checked for screening purposes in KETEM and Family Health Centers in Turkey, Khabbazazar said:
“If occult blood is seen, the patient should be sent to a higher center and colonoscopy should be performed. In people between the ages of 50 and 70, male and female, occult blood should be checked every 2 years without any symptoms. Even if there are no symptoms in these people, a colonoscopy should be performed every 10 years. What is the significance of this colonoscopy? In this procedure, we can diagnose polyps in the large intestine. Because these polyps can turn into cancer in a few years. With the colonoscopy procedure, we can remove these polyps from there and prevent them completely. This is the most important aspect of a colonoscopy scan. In this way, we can detect a polyp and a possible cancer in the future. The incidence of this type of cancer has started to rise in Turkey, especially in men between the ages of 25-49. Therefore, young individuals should not think, “I am young, I will not have cancer,” if they have rectal bleeding and have complaints such as abdominal pain. He must go to the examination.”
KNOWING THESE SYMPTOMS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS.
Emphasizing that bloating, abdominal pain and blood in the stool are the first signs of cancer, Khabbazazar said:
“Advanced symptoms are usually noticing the mass on examination and obstruction of the intestines. If the patient feels a mass in the abdomen, it means that the cancer has reached advanced stages. The first sign is that our bowel habits change. Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, feeling of not being able to empty completely after using the toilet are the first symptoms. Colon cancer is among the 3rd most common cancers in both men and women in Turkey. However, the number of new cases in men between the ages of 25-49 has been increasing recently. According to the data of the Ministry of Health, approximately 22 thousand new cases were detected in 2020. 36 percent of cases in Turkey come in the advanced stage. Unfortunately, treatment becomes more difficult during these periods and patients generally need treatments such as chemotherapy. Lifestyle changes, increased consumption of ready-made food and processed food in Turkey lead to an increase in this type of cancer.”
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF CANCER OF LARGE BOTTOM?
Providing information about the risk factors of the disease, Khabbazazar said, “Obesity is among the most important risk factors. It is more common in people who have limited physical life, that is, do not do sports and are not active. The reason for this is that constipation is more common in inactive people. In these people, colon cells are exposed to some carcinogens in foods longer. It is more common in people who do not drink enough water and use red meat instead of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, prepared, processed foods or red meat is a risk factor. We can reduce this risk by preferring white meat to red meat. Alcohol and smoking are important risk factors. Another risk factor is advanced age. Colon cancers are more common over the age of 50. Likewise in Turkey. Family factor is also among the risk factors.