2024-07-18 06:49:31
Colon cancer is one of the 5 most common oncological diseases in Lithuania. Every year, about 1,400 new cases of this disease are registered in our country, and more than 800 people die from it a year”, says gastroenterologist Laura Pinigė, a doctor at the Gastroenterology Center of Vilnius “Kardiolitas Klinikų”, about the merciless statistics.
The beginning of the disease is almost invisible
The extremely high risk of this oncological disease is that colon cancer develops slowly and is almost imperceptible in the initial stages.
“Colon cancer affects both men and women, and is more commonly diagnosed in older patients. The course of the disease begins when an intestinal cell mutates, which begins to divide uncontrollably – in this way a polyp is formed, from which cancer develops in 10 or more years”, notes L. Pinigė.
In certain cases, this oncological disease can cause various non-specific ailments: general weakness, abdominal pain or bloating, weight loss and lack of appetite. However, there are two main symptoms that are extremely important to pay attention to.
“Changes in bowel movements and blood in the stool are two of the main signs of colon cancer. It is especially important not to ignore them when these ailments last for several weeks, even though the diet or lifestyle has not fundamentally changed,” the gastroenterologist emphasizes.
It is true that blood in the stool can also signal other health problems, such as hemorrhoids, hernias, diverticula (a small hernia in the lining of the large intestine), inflammatory bowel diseases or angiodysplasias, but in any case, this symptom is worth discussing with your doctor.
Certain factors increase the risk of colon cancer
According to L. Pinigė, the risk of this disease can be increased by various factors, and although not all of them can be controlled, in certain cases it is useful to pay more attention to health screening.
For example, stool tests are useful for all persons over the age of 50, since, as mentioned earlier, this oncological disease is detected more often at an older age. It is also worth noting the influence of genetic predisposition and if there are cases of colon cancer in the family, tests should be carried out about 10 years ago. earlier. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease also benefit from screening.
Factors such as poor diet, low physical activity, diabetes, obesity or bad habits that can be controlled also increase the risk of colon cancer.
“You can reduce the risk of colon cancer by maintaining a normal body weight, exercising regularly, consuming more fiber: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, limiting the consumption of saturated fat and red meat, moderate alcohol consumption and quitting smoking,” the gastroenterologist points out.
The most effective way to prevent the disease is prevention
It is clear that the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment. Any person who cares about their health can get tests done to show if a person is free of this disease. A family doctor directs such tests.
“In Lithuania, there is a state-funded preventive program for the early diagnosis of colon cancer, aimed at men and women aged 50 to 74 (inclusive). According to it, a person can be tested for occult bleeding once every 2 years. In order to participate in this program, you only need to contact your family doctor, who will provide more information and direct you to the necessary tests,” reminds L. Pinigė.
The occult bleeding test (iFOBT test) is performed by examining stool from the large intestine. It is worth noting that it is important to prepare before the test – do not eat red meat 3-4 days before the test and do not take iron preparations for 2 days. In case of constipation, bleeding hemorrhoids or menstruation, the examination should be postponed for several days.
If this test is positive, a colonoscopy examination by a gastroenterologist or abdominal surgeon is prescribed, during which the colon is examined and, if necessary, a biopsy is taken and polyps are removed.
2024-07-18 06:49:31