Everything you need to know about colon cancer
Let’s start with a key point: although colon cancer is predominantly diagnosed in people over 50 years of age, the incidence among younger generations has increased significantly in recent years. According to research from the American Cancer Society, those born in the 1990s are twice as likely to develop this disease as people born in the 1950s! To date, the exact reasons for this increase remain unclear – experts suggest that lifestyle factors, such as an unbalanced diet, as well as exposure to various environmental components, including food additives, may play a role.
Contents of the article:
however, it should be emphasized: colon cancer is a preventable disease with timely examination and regular screening procedures!
What is colon cancer and how to identify its symptoms?
This type of tumor, also called colorectal cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the lining of the colon and rectum. The large intestine, together with the rectum, performs important functions – from the absorption of nutrients and fluids to the movement of food debris to the exit from the body. After food moves from the small intestine, it enters the large intestine and then the rectum, where waste is eliminated through the anus.
Although not always the case, colon cancer often develops from small, abnormal growths of the lining called polyps that arise in the colon or rectum. Such formations can transform into malignant tumors, but they can be detected and removed using screening tests, for example, colonoscopy, even at the preclinical stage. Regardless of whether malignant neoplasms arise specifically from polyps or other causes (more on this later), in the early stages, colon cancer often does not manifest itself at all. In cases where symptoms do appear, they can easily be confused with signs of other diseases – inflammatory processes, irritable bowel syndrome or hemorrhoids.
What are the main signs that indicate the possible development of colon cancer? These include changes in bowel habits – frequency or consistency, blood in the stool, prolonged bloating and abdominal pain, cramping, nausea and vomiting, unintentional and rapid weight loss, rectal bleeding or anemia.
In addition, patients may experience general weakness, fatigue, and difficulty having bowel movements, according to the American Cancer Society. However, it is important to remember that the appearance of symptoms such as bloating or bloody stools does not mean that a cancer diagnosis is imminent. Many of them occur with other diseases of the digestive system, so it is extremely important to undergo a medical examination to make an accurate diagnosis. This is why regular colonoscopies and other diagnostic procedures are crucial.
Factors that provoke colon cancer
Colorectal cancer occurs across different genders, races, and ethnicities, but there are a number of factors that increase your likelihood of developing it.
- Floor. Despite the fact that screening recommendations are relevant for everyone, men are more likely to get this type of cancer than women, experts from the American Cancer Society note.
- Age. As already mentioned, the risk increases after 50 years of age, but the growing incidence of cases in young people does not leave doctors indifferent. According to statistics, in 2020, 12% of new colon cancer diagnoses were in people under 50 years of age – a significant increase compared to previous periods.
- Unhealthy lifestyle and lack of exercise. While the exact reasons for the increase in cases in young people remain questionable, experts have linked it to certain habits – low fiber intake, high consumption of red and processed meat, and lack of physical activity.
- Antibiotics and food chemistry. Research is being conducted on the effect of frequent use of antibiotics, food additives and emulsifiers on the intestinal microflora. It is assumed that an imbalance in the bacterial ecosystem due to these factors can cause inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane, which, in turn, contributes to the development of colon cancer. In addition, chronic diseases – such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – also increase risks, as does a family history of cancer and polyps.
- Race and ethnicity. These factors significantly impact the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. African Americans have a 20% higher risk of developing the disease, and its mortality rate is 40% higher than average, according to the American Cancer Society. Furthermore, people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, or those of Eastern European and Russian descent, have an increased genetic risk, as confirmed by a study at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
- Inherited genetic mutations. Certain inherited syndromes significantly increase the risk of developing colon cancer. These include Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Carriers of these mutations require more careful medical monitoring and early screening.
- Constipation and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Long-term constipation and inflammatory bowel disease contribute to damage to the intestinal mucosa, which can accelerate tumor development. Therefore, prompt treatment and symptom control are essential.
- A diet high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables. A diet high in saturated fat, as well as a lack of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains rich in antioxidants and fiber, is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer overweight and obesity. There is a direct link between obesity and an increased risk of colon cancer. Excess weight contributes to the development of chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal changes that can stimulate the growth of malignant cells.
- Alcohol and smoking. Regular alcohol consumption and smoking increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The combination of these factors with other unhealthy habits is especially dangerous.
- Indications and recommendations for colorectal cancer screening
Indications and recommendations for colorectal cancer screening
Doctors usually advise starting screening at age 45 and repeating it at certain intervals (for example, every five years), based on previous results. However, in some cases, examinations may be required earlier than this age or carried out more often – for example, if there are colorectal polyps or cancer in close relatives, with inflammatory bowel diseases and other risk factors.
The most common diagnostic method is a colonoscopy, in which a doctor inserts a flexible tube through the anus to examine the rectum and colon for polyps and other abnormalities. In addition to it, other examination methods are used: stool analysis for the presence of tumor markers, flexible sigmoidoscopy (analogous to colonoscopy, but examines only the lower part of the colon), as well as computer colonography – “virtual” colonography. Colonoscopy, which uses X-rays to visualize the colon.
Your internist or family doctor will help you choose the most appropriate type of examination, taking into account your well-being, medical history and individual preferences. Since there is no clear “best” There is no method, it is important to discuss your options with a medical professional to make an informed decision.
Additional recommendations:
Patients with hereditary syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) require screening to begin much earlier (usually between 20 and 25 years of age) with more frequent examinations.
- People with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) are recommended to be screened annually or every 1-2 years after 8-10 years of disease, due to an increased risk of cancer.
- Pay attention to any changes in bowel habits, such as prolonged constipation, bleeding, unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain – if these symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor immediately.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—eating a healthy diet high in fiber, regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation—also reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- It is important to remember that early detection and removal of precancerous polyps significantly reduces the likelihood of cancer.
- Everything you need to know about colon cancer
