Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer

Colon cancer is a cancer cell of the colon and rectal tissue. The common type is caused by changes in the intestinal mucosa cells and grows abnormally, turning into small polyps called polyps, which then take time to develop into cancer. Removing polyps can prevent them from developing into cancer. Untreated colon cancer may spread through the intestinal wall. Or spread to the liver, lungs, brain or bones

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers. And the third the leading cause of death among all cancer patients in the United States

Stages of colon cancer

In stage 0, the initial stage of cancer is only on the surface of the intestine.

In the second stage, the cancer is only in the intestinal wall but has not spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage 3 cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes but has not spread to other organs

Stage four, cancer spreads to other organs, mainly to the liver and lungs

Risk factors for colorectal cancer

The true cause of colorectal cancer is still unclear, but studies have shown that these risk factors increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer.

1. Age (person) Older people are more likely than young people to be often found in people over 50

2. Food (colorectal cancer) is related to foods that are high in fat and energy but low in fiber.

3. Polyps are sometimes normal tumor types. But certain types increase the risk factors for cancer. Familial adenomatous polyposis is a common genetic type, and many people in the same family have large numbers of tumors on the large intestine and anal wall. Almost all of these tumors become colon and rectal cancer

4. Past historical research has found that women have a history of ovarian cancer. Cervical cancer Breast cancer has a higher chance of developing colorectal cancer. Although the patient already had colorectal cancer and was treated, he was able to return again

5. Family history is high risk. If the family has a history of colorectal cancer before the age of 60

6. Ulcerative colitis The inner wall of the large intestine becomes chronic inflammation. The chance of developing colorectal cancer is high.

7. Smoking (studies) found that smoking is a major factor in the risk of colorectal cancer. It is also a factor leading to higher mortality

Reduce the risk of colorectal cancer

1. Screening search to find tumors from the beginning will help reduce and prevent cancer

2. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake

3. Regular exercise

4. Eat high-fiber foods regularly, including vegetables and fruits

5. Take certain medications and supplements, such as aspirin, folic acid or vitamin C.

6. Control the weight to reach the standard. The weight of men should not exceed the weight (BMI <25kg / m2) or the waist circumference is less than 90 cm, and the female is less than 80 cm.

Indicate the symptoms of colorectal cancer

1. Defecation behavior is different from a person's normal situation. Most will shoot more frequently. I want to do it again, I can't do it again.

2. Diarrhea and constipation alternate

3. Fresh or crimson blood mixed with feces

4. The stool has unusual features from the original. The lump became flat nougat.

5. The small intestine has abdominal distension, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, colic, syncope.

6. Unknown weight loss

7. Tired, tired, unable to work as usual

All of these symptoms can be symptoms of colorectal cancer or other diseases, and if you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor check the cause of the symptoms. Will happen next

Detection of colorectal cancer

People with risk factors for colorectal cancer should see a doctor from the beginning of cancer screening, although there are no abnormal symptoms. The doctor and the medical team will explain the test results. How often does the correct screening and diagnosis include?

For general screening methods, there are many ways to start at the age of 50.

Check the fecal occult blood test once a year.

Laparoscopy (colonoscopy) every 5 to 10 years

Flexible sigmoidoscopy with double-contrast barium enema every 5 years

Computer X-ray examinations are performed every 5 years in virtual reality (Computed Tomography Colonoscopy), which must be done in an institution with detailed tools