Our dietary habits increase the risk of colon cancer

Stating that excessive consumption of fatty foods, red meat, and processed foods increases the risk of colon cancer, Prof. Dr. Işıl Somalı, an Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology Specialist at Egepol Hospitals, draws attention to the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

PROCESSED FOODS ARE IN THE RISK GROUP

Dr. Somalı said, "Colon cancer used to be seen more frequently in countries like America, where fast food and processed foods are consumed more. Recently, we have been encountering such cancer cases frequently in our country as well. The frequency of occurrence in the 40s is also increasing. Socio-economic level is also associated with this type of cancer. It is seen more in the high-income group because they consume large amounts of red meat and fast food."

GENETIC PREDISPOSITION MAY BE A FACTOR

Providing information about the disease, Somalı said, "Colon (bowel) cancer can develop through the formation of polyps on the intestinal surface and their transformation into cancer over time. Symptoms may also vary depending on the location of the mass in the intestine. If long-term anemia persists in male patients, this can be an indicator. Anemia can be seen in menstruating women due to blood loss, but if anemia is detected in women during menopause, the possibility of colon cancer must be investigated."

Somalı added: "Genetic predisposition is also a factor in this disease. There are two genetic diseases: Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer and Adenomatous Polyposis Coli. Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer can be seen at later ages. Polyps are not found densely in the intestines. Genetic transmission can occur in this type. In the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli type, colon cancer is usually found in most of the family and is seen at a young age. If there is someone else in the family who has contracted this type of cancer at a young age, they must be followed up. Here, many polyps are found in the intestine. In the general approach, close follow-up of the patient and the complete removal of the colon is a protective approach to prevent cancer."

EVERYONE OVER 45 SHOULD HAVE A COLONOSCOPY

Regarding definitive diagnosis, Dr. Somalı said: "The main diagnosis is made by colonoscopy and taking a biopsy from the mass. The general approach in the treatment of the disease is surgery. Chemotherapy is also administered according to the result of the pathology after surgery and the stage of the disease. After treatments, 3-month follow-ups and colonoscopy checks continue. Everyone over the age of 45, regardless of gender, should undergo a colonoscopy screening even if they have no complaints. If there is a diagnosis of cancer in a first-degree relative in the family, this screening should be done at age 40. Consumption of vegetables, fruits, white meat, and fish should be increased. Red meat, packaged, and processed foods should be avoided. If there are complaints such as bleeding from the anus or in the stool, persistent diarrhea, or constipation, a specialist physician should be consulted. Early diagnosis increases both the success of treatment and the survival rate."