Your complete guide to colon cancer



[ad_1]

Colon cancer starts in the lining of the large intestine or rectum

Colorectal cancer, also called intestinal cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine) due to an abnormal growth of cells capable of staining. attack and spread to other body organs. Stool and stool changes (constipation or diarrhea) and weight loss and constant tiredness.

Most cases of colorectal cancer are due to lifestyle and age-related factors, and little to unknown genetic factors. Risk factors for this disease include diet, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity. The consumption of red meat and processed meats (such as salted, dried, fermented, smoked, canned and gravy meat) and alcoholic beverages are dietary factors that increase the risk of contracting this disease. Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are also serious.

Renal papillomavirus and Lynch syndrome are among the inherited genetic disorders that can cause colorectal cancer; they represent less than 5% of cases. The infection usually begins with the form of a benign tumor (often in the form of an excessive diet) and eventually turns into cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and the second most common cancer in Saudi Arabia, with an annual increase of 10%. According to the Saudi cancer registry, colon cancer currently ranks first among men and third among women.

In this regard, we reviewed the oncology consultation conducted by Dr. Ashwaq Al-Olayan, from the National Guard to the Royal Abdul Aziz Medical Hospital of the National Guard City, Riyadh:

What are the main causes of colon cancer?
There is no confirmed cause of this disease. However, some factors increase the probability of occurrence:
1- Lack of physical activity.
smoke
3. Progress in age because colorectal cancer occurs mainly after the age of 50 and may appear before.
4 – a satisfying story in the family.
5 – Eat foods high in fat and low in fiber. But there is no scientific evidence linking frequent meat consumption with increased risk of infection.

How does colon cancer occur?
Colorectal cancer begins in the inner lining of the large intestine or rectum, through the formation of leukemia. If it is not treated, it begins to penetrate the intestinal wall. Thus, it reaches the surrounding lymph nodes and is likely to spread to the liver or lungs.

What are the most common symptoms associated with the disease?
Symptoms begin to appear after 5 to 10 years, including:
– Sudden change in waste disposal habits, the most common being the appearance of blood in the stool.
– weightloss.
– Irregularity in the output process.
– A few drops of blood before or during defecation.
– Abdominal distension pain.

How is the disease diagnosed? How important is early detection of treatment?
The diagnosis of the disease is made through a clinical examination of the patient and endoscopy examinations, x-rays and blood tests, which showed the doctor the extent of the disease. It should be noted that surgery is the main method of treatment, in which the tumor is removed and can benefit from radiotherapy and chemical treatment, depending on the state of the disease.
Early detection of colon cancer increases recovery rates by 95%, the main treatment being removal of the tumor and laboratory analysis to determine the final outcome and then determine the next stage of treatment. Surgery, if the tumor is first-degree, or in some cases second-and third-degree, and the importance of periodic follow-up requiring colonoscopy, is performed after one year of treatment.
If the tumor is second, third or fourth, chemotherapy is needed to reduce the risk of recurrence or spread of the tumor.

What is the role of chemotherapy in colon cancer cases?
1. In case of colon cancer, during the second or third stage of the disease, the patient must undergo chemotherapy for six months.
2. In case of Stage IV, the patient requires chemotherapy sessions that last a lifetime, except in case of surgical intervention.
The results of the Fylor study showed that adding Zalartab drug to chemotherapy helped to improve outcomes and improve the patient's condition.

What are the most important prevention methods adopted by Harvard Medical School?
Changing unhealthy lifestyles can reduce colon cancer, as well as a range of measures that can reduce the risk of developing the disease, including:
– Focus on eating low-fat and high-fiber foods because recent studies indicate that daily consumption and several servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce the risk of eating. infection. On the other hand, eating foods high in calcium and folate, a small amount of food that the body needs in yellow vegetables and leafy vegetables, also reduces the risk.
– Stop all forms of smoking.

See as well:
4 procedures for the prevention of skin cancer
Is prostate cancer related to sex?
The main daily habits for breast cancer prevention
A special diet for patients with breast cancer
Breast cancer: complete or partial resection?

[ad_2]
Source link