Despite many breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment, it is still the second leading cause of death in the United States, and colon cancer is the fourth most common type in men and women. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionA small percentage of cases are due to unmodifiable factors such as family history, but the majority are thought to be due to lifestyle choices such as smoking, lack of exercise and an unbalanced diet. UT Southwestern Medical Center Say. “Colon cancer diagnoses (approximately 70%) are thought to be random or sporadic and non-hereditary, with no known etiology.
Risk factors for sporadic colon cancer include the following:
– Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease
– High-fat and/or low-fiber diet
– smoking/tobacco use
– Inactivity and/or obesity
-type 2 diabetes
Colon cancer often goes unnoticed because symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is advanced. Colon cancer is also becoming an even more serious health problem as colon cancer is on the rise in people under the age of 50. However, there is good news. “Approximately 90% of colorectal cancer and deaths are believed to be preventable.In addition to regular colorectal cancer screening, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent colorectal cancer. can reduce the risk of University of California, San Francisco state.
Misa KarimiMedical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancer at the Renner Foundation Cancer Center, City of Hope Orange County, Irvine, Calif., and director of clinical operations at City of Hope Newport Beach Fashion Island, said: says. Most colorectal cancers begin as growths called polyps on the smooth lining of the colon or rectum. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low in animal fats is associated with a lower risk of colon cancer. Other lifestyle changes, such as exercise, may also help reduce risk.
Additionally, the majority of colorectal cancer patients, approximately 70%, do not have an inherited disorder that would indicate an increased risk. This means that for most people, choosing a healthy lifestyle and getting screened as recommended by their doctor are the most important things they can do to lower their risk of colorectal cancer. Getting the recommended screenings is very important, and if you’re in your 40s, it’s never too early to consider it. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. Follow-up colonoscopies should be performed every 1 to 3 years, depending on individual risk and findings of the initial examination. Simply put, risk reduction and early detection are the keys to better outcomes. “
“Recent years have seen a major shift in colon cancer trends. Cases are declining among individuals aged 65 and over, while cases are increasing among a younger population of adults aged 50 and under,” Dr. Karimi said. In fact, one in five colorectal cancer diagnoses is in people between the ages of 20 and 54. Studies show that for people born in the 1990s, the risk of colorectal cancer is higher than those born in the 1950s. It has been shown that the mortality rate is also higher than that of people in the United States.
We know that exercise has a huge impact on an individual’s overall health, and we know that spending more time exercising and less time sitting can impact colorectal cancer risk. We confirm. Half of the younger patients diagnosed are overweight. As a medical oncologist who sees patients every day, I advise my patients to eat nutritious foods and exercise daily, even for 10 minutes a day.Small changes make a big difference. . The best way to stop cancer is to prevent it in the first place, and the sooner you make healthy choices, the greater the potential benefits.”
“Many people think it’s a disease that affects older men,” says Dr. Karimi. “But colorectal cancer not only affects younger people, it’s slightly more common in men than women.” Another misconception I hear is that you don’t need to be tested because you don’t have symptoms, but the signs of colorectal cancer tend to appear when the cancer is in its later stages.
Patients with colon cancer may have no symptoms at all, or they may have the same symptoms as other gastrointestinal problems. In the absence of symptoms, polyps containing cancer cells can remain in the colon wall for years, not just months. When severe symptoms appear, the cancer usually has progressed to a more advanced stage. This is one of the many reasons people need to know their family medical history and tell their doctor if they feel something is wrong. If symptoms may be caused by colon cancer, Screening tests that can be done to find the cause. “
Dr. Karimi emphasizes:
– changes in bowel habits that last for a long time (more than a few days),
– rectal bleeding
– blood in stool
-stomach ache
– jerking
– Weakness or fatigue
– bloating
– unintended weight loss
– Nausea and vomiting
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, consult a doctor who specializes in this disease before starting treatment. Knowledgeable about the latest advances in research and treatment, colorectal cancer experts help you make the best decisions by fully understanding your options. “
Dr. Karimi explains: City of Hope He Orange He County is committed to increasing the number of life-saving screenings for colorectal cancer, offering state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as colonoscopy, stool DNA testing, and more. Testing and genetic screening.
Thanks to screening and new treatments, the prognosis for early-detected colon cancer is excellent. Colorectal cancer is one of the most curable cancers, but studies show that tens of millions of people skip life-saving screenings out of fear of bowel preparation, fear of testing, and fear of results. . Don’t let colonoscopy anxiety prevent you from getting screened. It is a painless test done under sedation and usually takes less than 30 minutes. This study proves that screening for colon cancer saves lives. “
