Colon cancer: Early detection leads to successful treatment

     Colon cancer is a disease caused by abnormalities in the tissues of the large intestine and intestines, which undergo continuous changes and divisions that become uncontrollable, leading to the formation of lumps or tumors. In its early stages, it may start as small polyps, but if left untreated, these can develop into cancer that spreads through the intestinal walls to other parts of the body.

The Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

While the exact cause of colon cancer is still unknown, certain factors can increase the risk of developing this type of cancer, including:

• Genetic predisposition family history of colon cancer in direct relatives
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Exposure to toxins that accumulate in the intestines is often found in grilled foods, preserved foods, unclean vegetables, and processed meats
• Food: A diet high in fat or red meat
• Age. More than 90% of cases occur in individuals over 50, but it can also be found in younger adults and teenagers
• Obesity may increase the risk of colon cancer

'Age' A Risk Factor for Colon Cancer

     Colon cancer is commonly found in older adults, with 90% of cases occurring in those over 50. This is because, as people age, the cells in the intestinal lining have more opportunities to divide and form polyps. These polyps can gradually grow in the large intestine and eventually turn into cancer. Small polyps usually do not cause symptoms, and by the time symptoms appear, they may be quite large or already cancerous. Polyps can occur in the general population, even in those without a family history or significant risk factors.

The Symptoms

Colon cancer may not show any abnormalities during screening, but prior symptoms can include:

• Bloating, alternating constipation, or diarrhea
• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
• Smaller or thinner stools
• Frequent abdominal discomfort, cramping, or pain
• Fatigue, pallor, and unexplained weight loss
• A lump in the abdomen, often found in the lower right side
• Persistent discomfort around the rectum, similar to the feeling of needing to have a bowel movement

Who Should Be Screened for Colon Cancer?

• General population: Anyone aged 50 and over without a family history of colon cancer.
• Individuals with a family history should start screening at least 10 years before the age at which a relative was diagnosed. For example, if a parent had colon cancer at 45, the child should be screened at 35.
• If no abnormalities are found during screening, it is recommended to repeat the screening every 5 years.

The Diagnosis

• Fecal Occult Blood Test Yearly
• Colonoscopy Every 5 to 10 years.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy combined with a barium enema, Every 5 years.
• Virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography) Every 5 years, which can detect tumors larger than 9 mm in over 90% of cases.

The Methods for Reducing the Risks

     Reduce consumption of high-fat foods and fried foods, quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, exercise regularly, and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables. These are habits we should practice regularly and can do on our own.

The Treatment

     If polyps are detected in the large intestine, doctors can remove them using instruments through colonoscopy without any surgical wounds. If there are abnormal symptoms in younger individuals, screening can be done without waiting until age 50.

Virtual colonoscopy can detect tumors larger than 9 mm in over 90% of cases.