Colon cancer, which is caused by a malignant tumor in the large intestine, is usually seen in people over the age of 50. Stating that the large intestine should be regularly screened after a certain age, experts point out that low-fiber and high-fat diets, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity trigger colon cancer.
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General Surgery Specialist Dr. Talha Atalay from Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital gave important information about colon cancer.
Regular screening is vital
"Colon cancer is a malignant tumor of the large intestine, the last part of your digestive system. Most colon cancer cases start as non-cancerous (benign) clumps called adenomatous polyps. Over time, some of these polyps can turn into colon cancer," said Dr. Talha Atalay,
"Polyps can be small and, if present, may not cause symptoms. 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?
General Surgery Specialist Dr. Talha Atalay listed the symptoms of colon cancer as follows:
- "A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, or a change in stool consistency that lasts longer than four weeks.
-Blood in the stool.
-Persistent abdominal pain, such as cramps.
-A feeling that your bowels are not completely empty.
-Weakness or tiredness.
-Unexplained weight loss."
No symptoms in the early stages
"Many people with colon cancer do not experience any symptoms in the early stages of the disease," Talha Atalay said:
"When symptoms appear, the size of the cancer in the large intestine may be too large to intervene. For this reason, colonoscopy should be performed at a certain age range without any symptoms.
Colon cancer is caused by DNA damage
It is not clear what causes colon cancer. Colon cancer occurs when mistakes in the DNA, the genetic blueprint of healthy cells in the colon, occur. Healthy cells grow and divide regularly to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell's DNA is damaged and it becomes cancerous, the cells continue to divide even when the cells are not needed. As the cells accumulate, they form tumors. Over time, cancer cells invade nearby normal tissues. Cancerous cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic system, forming metastases.
If you see these, do not hesitate to go to the doctor!
If you notice any signs of colon cancer, such as blood in the stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, 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 screening should start 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?
Dr. Talha Atalay gave the following information about the risk factors that lead to colon cancer:
"Old age: The majority of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50 years. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it is much less common.
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps: If you have had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps before, you have a 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, can increase your risk of colon cancer.
Inherited syndromes that increase the risk of colon cancer: Genetic syndromes passed down through generations of your family can 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 can be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories.
A sedentary lifestyle: Getting regular physical activity can reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Diabetes. People with diabetes and insulin resistance have an increased risk of colon cancer.
Obesity: People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer and an increased risk of death from colon cancer compared to people who are considered to be of normal weight.
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?
General Surgery Specialist Dr. Talha Atalay from Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital gave the following information about the conditions in which colonoscopy should be performed:
- "Unexplained abdominal pain or weight loss
- Prolonged diarrhea or constipation,
- Anemia that does not respond to treatment,
- Blood in the stool,
- Early diagnosis and treatment of intestinal polyps (fleshy protrusions)"
From the age of 50, regular colonoscopy should be performed
Atalay concluded his words as follows: "Today, in order to prevent colon cancer, even if there is no complaint, follow-up for the presence of polyps by colonoscopy every 5 years starting from the age of 50 is now a method accepted all over the world. In individuals with a family history of colon cancer, it is recommended that the age of follow-up be brought earlier. The procedure takes an average of 15-30 minutes."
