6 Recommendations that reduce the risk of colon cancer

Colon cancer is ranked at the 3rd stage among the types of life-threatening cancers. Polyps, eating habits and genetic factors play an important role in the formation of colon cancer. Surgical applications, which have a very important place in the treatment, are now performed laparoscopically, in other words as closed, and have positive effect on the patient's life quality and psychology. . Dr. Prof.Dr. Ercan Gedik from Department of General Surgery, Memorial Diyarbakır Hospital gave information about liver cancer and its treatment.

Regular colonoscopy is recommended after the age of 50

Factors such as age, familial history, polyps, family history of gynecological cancer, dietary patterns, and genetic predisposition are among the most important causes of colon cancer. Risk of colon cancer that progresses slowly and does not cause symptoms at an early stage increases especially after the age of 50. Therefore, regular screening programs should not be neglected. Having colonoscopy by everyone over the age of 50 as recommended by the physician plays an effective role in detecting colon cancer at an early stage or in detecting polyps causing cancer and removing them before turning to cancer.

Healthy living is as important as cancer screenings.

In order to protect yourself from colon cancer or catch the disease at an early stage, it is necessary to consider regular check-ups, as well as healthy lifestyle recommendations.

 These are;

• Having ideal weight and maintaining this weight,
• Mainly eating fresh fruits and vegetables,
• Increase consumption of foods high in pulp content,
• Do moderate physical activity for 30-60 minutes daily,
• Not smoking and drinking alcohol,
• Limiting consumption of red meat…
• Primary treatment of colon cancer is surgery.

Instead of open surgeries that make patients nervous and prolong recovery times, laparoscopic, in other words, closed methods that increase patient comfort and contribute to treatment success are now being used today. Laparoscopic methods, which have only been used in gallbladder, appendicitis, and hernia surgeries in the past, can also be successfully applied in the surgery of tumors developed in the organs such as stomach, spleen and large intestine. Closed surgeries also do not cause any aesthetic concern as they do not cause surgical scars on the patient's body.  

  It provides a comfortable and fast healing process.

In laparoscopic operations, pain is less felt than in open surgery. Hospitalization period is short, the incisions in the abdomen are too small not to cause aesthetic anxiety. Risk of infection in the wound is less, and healing process is as short as possible. The most important thing is to keep the patient away from psychology of heavy surgery. In this way, patients can adapt to work, private and social life more quickly. However, it is important to choose appropriate patient for this procedure.

Communication with the physician after surgery is important.

After laparoscopic operations, patients should act on the recommendation of their physicians. In addition, if some complaints arise, the physician should be contacted without loss of time. In particular, problems such as excessive amounts of blood coming in the stool, bloating, pain that does not disappear with medications, chilling, trembling, persistent cough, and shortness of breath may require urgent intervention.  

Prepared by the Medical Editorial Board. Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific content on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.