Colon and rectal cancer
Colon and rectal cancer (Colorectal cancer) is an acceptable and applied term for malignant tumors in the large intestine and rectum (rectum), where these tumors are treated as a single disease although they differ from each other biologically and in therapeutic terms.
However, there are those who classify this cancer into different types according to malignant cells. In the vast majority of cases (more than 95%), this is a type of cancer called "Adenomas" (adenocarcinoma). Rare diseases are: lymphomas/lymphoma (lymphoma), Serawi (carcinoid), Melanum/melanoma (melanoma) and Grene (sarcoma – malignant tumor in connective tissues or Derivatives-Sarcoma).
Colon and rectal cancer is a painful health problem. It is very common and has high morbidity and mortality rates of up to 50% of patients who are infected.
In one year the disease is expected to die from more than 1,000,000 people worldwide. During the first decade of the 21st century colon and rectal cancer formed the number one factor of death, and even more than the proportion of deaths caused by heart disease.
Today, the prevalence of this species is the highest among the cancer-causing diseases. In one year more than 3,000 new cases appear, and the expected number of deaths is 1,200 – 1,500 people.
If colon and rectal cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage, the chance of recovery is close to zero, and if diagnosed at an early stage, the recovery rate is more than 95%.
Colorectal cancer affects both sexes in almost equal proportion-55% of cases between men and 45% among women.
The development of colorectal cancer results from a combination of environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors as well as genetic predisposition.The correction or prevention of these factors inevitably leads to a significant reduction in the incidence of colon and rectal cancer.
It should be emphasized that it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle from a relatively young age, since the development of the disease begins at the age of 20 – 30 years. Other risk factors are: chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (ulcerative colitis), radiation and other toxic substances. It also turns out that tumors in other organs, especially breast and small intestine cancer , increase the risk of developing large intestine cancer.
In a small number of cases (up to 15%) The genetic factor is the most important factor in the development of the disease.
Colon and rectal cancer symptoms
Colon and rectal cancer symptoms The initial can be characterized by one or all of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea, constipation or any change in bowel work
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Anemia without cause
- Clogged large intestine
- Abdominal pain
- Low weight for no apparent reason
Causes and risk factors of colon and rectal cancer
Colorectal cancer appears at the age of 50 years, and the proportion of patients who suffer from it rises sharply after that age. That is, age is the most important risk factor.
Other risk factors are:
- A diet rich in proteins and fats from animal sources
- Excess calorie intake
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol consumption
Diagnosis of colon and rectal cancer
Colon and rectal cancer can be diagnosed in several ways, but it is important to stress that the only way to be sure and definitive diagnosis is by using the inner endoscope-endoscope (colonoscopy-colonoscope) which can detect cancer, while sampling (biopsy-Biopsy). To confirm the diagnosis in the laboratory.
It should be noted that about 75% of new cases of these tumors are asymptomatic (asymptomatic-asymptomatic). Therefore, as early detection is of utmost importance, a systematic early detection plan is required, by which the disease can be completely prevented, up to a maximum of 90% of cases.
Colon and rectal cancer treatment
The treatment of colorectal cancer, as well as the prediction of the Biography (Prognosis), depends primarily on the stage reached by the disease, as well as on its position/location.
The treatment of rectal cancer (Radiotherapy), together with chemotherapy (chemotherapy), is applied before the surgical removal of the affected part.
Chemotherapy is also continued after surgery, also, and is sometimes combined with radiotherapy.
In the treatment of colon cancer, surgery is performed to remove the tumor.After the operation, in advanced pathological conditions where the tumor has reached the lymph nodes, or spread to distant places, chemotherapy is added.
Prevention of colon and rectal cancer
It is clear that the prevention of colorectal cancer is easier than treating it.There are many methods for early detection and prevention of this cancer.
Invisible blood test in stool (Occult blood test) is the method with seniority. Early detection (colonoscopy-colonoscopy), lifestyle changes and periodic laboratory tests-can prevent most cases and save lives. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fibre and cellulose (a vegetarian-cellulose compound), as well as sports activity, significantly reduces the risk of infection. That is, through lifestyle changes, at least 50% of cases can be prevented.
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