Colorectal cancer and mistakes to avoid

Colorectal cancer is cancer that originates in the large intestine, the last part of the digestive tract.

According to Bach Mai Hospital, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common type of cancer, a malignant tumor originating from the lumen or wall of the colon or rectum. The incidence of the disease in Western European and American countries is higher than in Asian countries. In Vietnam, CRC ranks 5th in both sexes after lung, stomach, liver and breast cancer.

In Hanoi, the age-standardized incidence rate in men is 13.9 and in the country is 10.1 per 100,000 people. In Ho Chi Minh City, the incidence rate in men is 12.5 and in women is 9.0 per 100,000 people.

Colorectal cancer is cancer that begins in the large intestine, the last part of the digestive tract. After food is chewed and swallowed, it passes through the esophagus and stomach, where it is digested and then moves into the small intestine. The small intestine continues the process of digesting food and absorbing nutrients. The small intestine is connected to the large intestine, also known as the colon.

People should have regular medical checkups to detect diseases.

Cancer in each location on the colon will manifest different symptoms, the most common being blood in the stool. In most cases, colon cancer develops silently over many years.

Today, people also know that cancer starts with a lesion called a polyp, which becomes cancerous 5 to 10 or 25 years later. Removing polyps is the most effective way to prevent cancer. Over 95% of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas. This type of cancer originates in the cells of the lining of the large intestine.

Signs of disease:

Dr. Hoang Dinh Chan - Professional Director of Hung Viet Oncology Hospital said: Colon - rectal cancer generally has the following signs: bloating, abdominal pain, indigestion, digestive disorders, mucus in stool. Semi-intestinal obstruction syndrome, intestinal obstruction is common in left colon cancer, dysentery syndrome is common in rectal cancer.

Dr. Chan explained that one of the causes of colon and rectal cancer is a diet low in vegetables, high in fat, high in meat, fermented, salted, smoked foods, foods with spices, toxic food additives, and foods contaminated with genetic mutations (pesticides, herbicides, growth promoters).

Also due to colorectal diseases such as chronic ulcerative colitis, polyps, familial adenomatous polyposis.

Change in bowel habits

Dr. Hoang Dinh Chan - Professional Director of Hung Viet Oncology Hospital said: This is the clearest yellow sign warning of the risk of colorectal cancer. Due to the stimulation of the tumor, the patient will have an increase in the number of bowel movements in a short time, along with other signs such as constipation, loose stools, frequent urge to defecate, and feeling of incomplete defecation.

When the tumor grows rapidly and covers the rectal opening, it will lead to constipation, small stools or changes in stool condition.

Persistent abdominal pain

Abdominal pain can occur for many reasons, but in the case of prolonged abdominal pain accompanied by frequent bowel movements, this is a warning sign of the presence of tumors in the abdomen.

Bloating, belching

These two symptoms, although common signs of digestive tract disease, can also be symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Bloody stools

Bloody stools are a sign of many cancers such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids... However, 80-90% of cases of colorectal cancer also have symptoms of bloody stools, the blood can be bright red or dark red mixed with mucus.

Tumor appearance

Most cancers develop tumors, and colorectal cancer is no exception. Patients should pay special attention if they notice signs of an unusual tumor in the abdomen, on the side of the colon, or in the right lower rib cage.

One thing to note is that digestive diseases often have quite similar symptoms. However, when experiencing unusual symptoms, patients should not be subjective and miss the opportunity to detect colorectal cancer as early as possible.

There may be other symptoms of cancer in general.

Tired, loss of appetite, weight loss...

How to prevent

Dr. Hoang Dinh Chan advises that the best way to prevent the disease is to have a regular work, living and exercise regimen. You should eat lots of green vegetables, fiber, low fat, especially limit fermented foods (pickles, pickled eggplants) and not use foods with additives or toxic colorants.

Avoid mutagens in food: pesticides, herbicides, growth promoters. In particular, do not abuse alcohol and other fermented substances. You should have a health check-up every 6 months to 1 year to detect diseases and have early treatment methods./.

According to VOV