The importance of prevention and early treatment of colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in both men and women.
And although our studies show that mortality has been falling in the last 20 years due to improved treatment regimens, colorectal cancer cases will increase by 2040 to more than 3 million patients per year worldwide, mainly due to our poor lifestyle.
So what can we do to protect ourselves or at least recognize the problem early?
Important risk factors are increased age, a family history of cancer, obesity, smoking, diabetes and the presence of some chronic inflammatory diseases. It is important that our diet includes fiber (fruits and vegetables), vitamins, folic acid and calcium, while we must avoid animal and saturated fats (fast food and soft drinks), alcohol and excessive consumption of red meat.
Cancer most often develops on the site of a polyp, which, however, develops quite slowly. This process can take more than 10 years. Of course, the polyp unfortunately does not give symptoms.
It is very important that some polyps are diagnosed early and removed, which is usually done with a colonoscopy, an endoscopic examination of the large intestine. According to current guidelines, the first colonoscopy of a person without symptoms and without a family history should be performed at the age of 50 and repeated every 3-5 years. If there is a family history, this frequency changes.
In addition to colonoscopy, one can check for the possibility of blood in the stool that is not visible to the naked eye, through simple test kits available in pharmacies. In case of positive results, we should immediately undergo an endoscopic examination.
Despite the possibilities we have for prevention, many patients unfortunately reach their doctor when the polyp has already developed into cancer, or when there are already metastases in lymph nodes or other organs.
The treatment of colon cancer remains surgical, and with very encouraging results. Radical oncological interventions (in combination or not with complementary chemotherapies or radiotherapy) can lead the patient to a complete cure. Today’s minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery have replaced older interventions and provide excellent oncological results with much less burden for the patient (smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, quick return to daily life).
The early investigation of any symptoms, proper prevention and a timely visit to a specialized doctor is what will lead to the best possible outcome of the problem.
