Seen under age 50: The 'insidious' danger in the intestines
Colon cancer, which consists of malignant tumors of the large intestine, is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. It is stated that colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer globally. Every year, 1 million people worldwide and 6 thousand people in our country are diagnosed with this disease.
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It is stated that the shift toward fast-food style nutrition, excessive weight gain, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking in recent years are effective in colon cancer now threatening younger age groups as well.
It is pointed out that colon cancer, which is one of the types of cancer that most frequently leads to loss of life because it usually does not show symptoms in the early stages, can actually be prevented with regular colonoscopy screenings.
The reason colon cancer is a preventable type of cancer is that polyps, the most common cause of this cancer, can be detected before they turn into cancer thanks to regular colonoscopy screenings.
'REPEATING EVERY 10 YEARS IS SUFFICIENT'
General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Erman Aytaç points out that everyone should have a colonoscopy screening starting at age 45, even if they have no complaints, and says, "It is important for individuals with a family history of colon cancer to start screening programs at an earlier age.
If polyps are detected during a colonoscopy, these formations can be removed during the same procedure, thus preventing the development of colon cancer. Furthermore, if cancer has developed, complete recovery can be achieved by catching it at an early stage. If there are no risk factors, repeating the procedure every 10 years will be sufficient. However, the frequency of screening may change depending on factors such as risk factors and additional diseases."
THE MOST COMMON CAUSE IS POLYPS
Many factors can be responsible for the development of colon cancer. Polyps are responsible for a high rate of 90 percent of colon cancers. Some polyps, which usually form after the age of 45, can grow uncontrollably and lead to colon cancer over the years.
Another important factor that can cause colon cancer is a fast-food diet where animal and processed foods are consumed in excess, while vegetables and fruits are consumed sparingly.
In addition to these, having a family history of colon cancer, certain genetic disorders, inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, obesity, exposure to radiation, and the presence of other cancers are also effective in the development of colon cancer.
SYMPTOMS OF COLON CANCER
Colon cancer usually progresses insidiously in the early stages without causing any complaints. The most prominent symptoms, which often develop in advanced stages, are as follows:
- Changes in the consistency and odor of stool (diarrhea-constipation)
- Going to the toilet more or less frequently
- Seeing blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Abdominal bloating and pain, fatigue, nausea, weight loss
- Success rate in treatment is very high