What you must know about colorectal cancer prevention

Colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum, is a malignant tumor that develops within colon (or rectum) layers, recalling that the colon and the rectum are the terminal parts of the digestive tract. 

It is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the majority of countries, particularly western one and the United States.

Every year, it causes the loss of more than 53,000 lives, with an estimation of 145,000 men and women will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. However, this cancer can easily be prevented with proper and regular screening. Colon cancer is overcome by 90 percent of patients when found in its earliest stages.

 

Several studies report a rise in adults worldwide being diagnosed with colorectal cancer under the age of 50 — the international recommended screening age — and no main reason is suspected. Researchers found also that colon and rectal cancer death rates among 20 to 50 year olds have augmented by one percent yearly during a decade from 2004 to 2014.

 

 Equally, men and women are at the same risk for colon and rectum cancer unlike the majority of cancers with distinct sex ratio. The cancer is most diagnosed among people aged 50 and older but can occur at any time with patients as young as teenagers. The major cases of colon and rectal cancers happen to people with no known risk factors, thus the importance of regular screening. A personal or family history of colon cancer or colon polyps can increase significantly the risk of developing colon cancer.

 

Colon cancer symptoms appear usually at advanced stages and can be confusing. Common stomach sickness or modifications in bowel habits are common occurrences and they don’t always mean that you are affected with serious disease such as colon cancer.

There are several signs that should justify concern and be evaluated by a physician; like if you remark persistent modifications in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for several days, feelings that you need to have a bowel movement with no relief after having one, rectal bleeding with light red blood, cramping or abdominal pain, the presence of blood in the stool which may make the stool look dark, and unexplained anemia, weakness and a remarkable and unintended weight loss.

 

Don’t ignore these symptoms, especially if you have risk factors. As we said, colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps don’t always cause significant symptoms; this is why screening guideline is so crucial in front of potential symptoms and risk factors. Also know your risks. People with clear family history of colon and rectal cancers are at a significant risk for developing these tumors. The same is true for people with a family history of precancerous polyps, chronic inflammatory bowel disease  as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Be sure to talk with your doctor about your family history.

 

If the statistics seem terrifying, remember that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers -if caught early- getting regularly screened for colorectal cancer saves many lives. If you ask why, screening tests detect and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer and invade adjacent tissues. So don’t wait for symptoms to appear. It may be too late by the time you develop symptoms. Get screened frequently and consult with your physician.

If you are 50 years old or older and you have never been screened, start now. For those with a family history of colorectal cancer, consult your doctor about how often and at what age to begin screening, take consideration that colon cancer can occur at any time. Ask your physician about screening if you think it is necessary.

 

Some researchers suggest that changing your diet can reduce your colorectal cancer risk. Medical experts do not agree completely on the role of diet in preventing colorectal cancer, especially when we consider that this particular cancer doesn’t have imminent causes, but often they recommend a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes. This diet also may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.