Medikal Mayıs 2018

Article
Beware of the 9 causes of colon cancers!
Op. Dr. Tolga Aliyazıcıoğlu, from the Memorial Service Hospital General Surgery
Department provided information about the symptoms and treatments for colon cancer:
Colon cancer, also known as
large intestine cancer among
the community, is in 3rd place
in our country as one of the most
common types of cancer. Colon
cancer, the most important factors
of which are genetics, irregular
nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle,
progresses very insidiously and
may not give any indication. Early
detection of polyps and a treatment
plan can improve the quality and
length of life for patients.
Do not neglect these symptoms
Colon cancer, a disease that
costs the lives of 750 thousand
people in the word and 5 thousand
people in our country, can be
indicated by unrelenting fatigue,
unexplained weight loss, diarrhea
and constipation. Also a sudden
change in the thickness of stool,
blood around the anus and in stool,
excretion in egg white consistency,
blockage in the intestine, bloating
and pain in the abdomen are all
important findings of colon cancer.
When any one of these symptoms
are seen a doctor should definitely
be consulted.
The reasons and risk factors of
colon cancer
The source of cancer is usually
small, noncancerous lesions called
adenomatous polyps. All polyps
do not turn into cancer but since
there are no signs they should all be
removed when noticed. The source
of colon cancer is not clear in many
patients. However, just like in any
cancer, damage to the healthy cell
DNA causes cancer. It is a fact that
some rare genetic diseases also
increase the risk of colon cancer.
Other than these the causes that
increase the risk of colon cancer are
as follows:
1 - Age: The frequency of seeing
colon cancer, which can also be
seen at an early age, increases with
age especially after 50 years old.
2 - Nutrition: Eating foods that are
low in plant fiber and high in fat
increases the risk of colon cancer.
3 – Having previously known polyps:
Patients that have had polyps
removed by colonoscopy before
should undergo regular checkups.
4 – Inflammatory Bowel Disease:
People who have ulcerative colitis
and Crohn’s disease have a higher
risk of colon cancer.
5 - Genetic factors: People who
have mothers, fathers, siblings or
children with colon cancer have a
higher risk of colon cancer.
6 – Sedentary lifestyle: A lifestyle
with no physical activity increases
the risk of colon cancer.
7 – Exposure to radiation: Patients
that have pelvic radiation treatment
for other diseases (prostate cancer,
cervical cancer and vaginal cancer)
have a higher risk of colon cancer.
8 – Cigarettes and alcohol:
Cigarettes and alcohol which are
the cause of many diseases also
increase the risk of colon cancer.
9 - Obesity: Excessive weight, one of
the most important health problems
of our time, can cause colon cancer
just like all other cancers. Do not
neglect to get a colonoscopy after 50
years of age
People who have had colorectal
cancer in their families are under
greater risk due to hereditary and
genetic factors. This is why people
who have colon cancer in their
family should start screening at
least 10 years before the age that
colon cancer was diagnosed in their
relative. People who do not have any
colon cancer in their family and no
complaints should definitely get a
colonoscopy at 50 years of age and
continue to do this every 5 years.
Some precautions in addition to
these will be beneficial.
• Choosing to eat high fiber foods
• Reducing saturated fats
• Staying away from cigarettes,
alcohol and similar substances
• At least 30 minutes of exercise per
day
Avoid excessive weight.
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