Research: 8 factors that increase the risk of developing colon cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. A 2020 study estimated that more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer were detected globally, with over 930,000 lives lost to the disease. Eight factors that increase the risk of developing colon cancer have been identified.

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Research: 8 factors that increase the risk of developing colon cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that often shows no symptoms and progresses slowly. Individuals aged 50 and over are particularly at risk. Prof. Dr. Alihan Gürkan, Head of the General Surgery Department at Memorial Antalya Hospital, explained what needs to be known about colon cancer.

Colon cancer is most frequently seen between the ages of 60 and 70. For those without a family history of early-onset colon cancer, the likelihood of developing the disease before age 50 is low. Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the cancer.

For example; if it is very close to the anal opening, the person may feel a cauliflower-like mass, experience bleeding, or encounter diarrhea and occasional constipation.

Stools may begin to lose their normal shape, abdominal bloating may increase, which the patient might perceive as indigestion. There may be mucus in the stool, or in advanced stages of the disease, symptoms such as an inability to pass gas, increased bloating, abdominal pain, and even vomiting may occur.

Risk factors for colon cancer are as follows;

The presence of tissue growths inside the colon, known as "polyps," increases the risk.

The risk persists even if a person has previously been diagnosed with and treated for colon cancer.

Patients with ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer are also at risk for colon cancer.

Smoking increases the risk of developing colon cancer.

Dietary habits have a significant impact on colon cancer. Diets rich in red meat but poor in fruits and vegetables increase the risk of developing colon cancer.

Low selenium levels, inflammatory bowel diseases, certain types of viruses, environmental factors such as those in industrialized countries (fast food, processed foods), and heavy alcohol consumption increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer.

Vitamin B6 deficiency may increase cancer risk.

A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing cancer.

COLONOSCOPY SHOULD BE PERFORMED AFTER AGE 45

A colonoscopy should be performed routinely for everyone over the age of 45 and for those who test positive for fecal occult blood, and it should be repeated every 5 years. Those with a family history must consult a doctor.

If cancer is detected at an early stage on polyps removed during a colonoscopy, surgery may not be necessary; these patients are placed under close follow-up. If the cancer is in an advanced stage, surgery is performed. The surgery can be done via open or laparoscopic (closed) procedures.

LIVES 5 TIMES LONGER

Following surgery, depending on the patient's condition and the doctor's decision, medication or radiation therapy may be added to the treatment. A colon cancer patient diagnosed at an early stage lives 5 times longer than one diagnosed at a late stage. It is very important to be under doctor supervision every 3 months for the first 2 years, and every 6 months for the following 5 years.

Colon cancer is a preventable disease with early diagnosis, and the results of early diagnosis are quite successful compared to other cancers.

News Source: 12punto