Early diagnosis saves lives in colon cancer

Colon cancer is the name given to cancer that begins in the large intestine due to the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the inner lining of the colon. It is known that colorectal (colon) cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Turkey. Experts state, "Early diagnosis and treatment save lives. Screening should be done after the age of 45."

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Early diagnosis saves lives in colon cancer

It is possible to treat large intestine cancer in the early stages through screening tests. The disease manifests itself with symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, weakness, and fatigue.

Colon cancer is the name given to cancer of the large intestine (colon and rectum). A diagnosis of colon cancer is made via colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is performed by inserting a flexible tube with a camera at the tip through the anus.

This disease is treated through surgery to remove the cancerous part, as well as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy methods.

YOUR LARGE INTESTINE IS OPENED TO THE ABDOMINAL SKIN

If the sections above and below the removed colon part can be reconnected during surgery, you will continue to have normal bowel movements. Otherwise, your large or small intestine is opened to the abdominal skin, and defecation occurs into a bag.

In some patients, this situation is temporary, and the colostomy is closed with a second surgery to restore normal bowel movements. In other patients, defecation through the abdomen is permanent. After treatment, you must be followed up by the oncology department.

You will remain under control through repeated blood tests, colonoscopies, tomography, or CT scans.

'YOU SHOULD GET SCREENED AFTER THE AGE OF 45'

Colon cancer screening is performed to investigate the presence of polyps or cancer in the colon and rectum. If no polyps are detected in the first colonoscopy, a colonoscopy should be performed every 5 years; if they are detected, it should be done every 3 years. In some special cases, it can be performed more frequently.

Screening should be done when there are no symptoms and no conditions requiring suspicion of cancer. A polyp is a tissue formation that develops before cancer and can turn into cancer within 3-5 years. The goal is to detect and remove polyps before they turn into cancer or, even if they develop, before they grow and spread.

Studies have shown that colon cancer screening significantly reduces the risk of death from colon cancer. Colon cancer screening can be performed with tests such as colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood, or DNA testing, but colonoscopy is superior to other tests and is the test that should be chosen.

Those with a family history of similar cancer should have a colonoscopy at age 40 if their relative was diagnosed over the age of 50, or 10 years before their relative's age of diagnosis if they were diagnosed under the age of 50.

News Source: 12punto