Pay attention to 8 risk factors for colon cancer

Being over 50 years old and misfeeding come first among risk factors of colon cancer that its prevalence is ranked at the 2nd stage in women and 3rd stage in men. In order to catch colon cancer at an early stage, it is necessary to follow the signals given by the body well. Specialists of Department of General Surgery of Memorial Şişli Hospital gave information about colon cancer and its treatment.

Improper nutrition invites colon cancer.

In addition to being over the age of 50, the risk factors of colon cancer can be listed as follows:

1. Familial transition: 20 percent of the patients have genetic transition, but remaining 80 percent has no family history. Having the diseases given below in the family (first- and second-degree relatives) and / or in him/her increases the risk.

1. History of colon cancer or polyps in large intestine: Previously presence of such diseases increases the risk of colon cancer.

3.Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease: Risk increases in those who have been ill for more than 8-10 years.

4.Improper nutrition: Animal fats and low fibrous food intake invite colon cancer.

1. Vitamin Deficiency: Not taking enough vitamin also increases the risk of colon cancer.

6.Obesity: It has been shown that obesity increases the risk of colon and rectal cancer, as well as increases the risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Therefore, obesity should also be effectively struggled in order to protect against cancer.

1. Smoking and alcohol habits: Smoking and alcohol use also invite many diseases along with colon cancer.

1. Sedentary life: Role of regular exercise plays a big role in preventing many diseases and with colon cancer.

Be aware of weight loss and anemia!

It is very important for the person to follow the signals in his/her body for early detection of colon cancers. Rectal bleeding is the most common sign of colon cancer. Other findings can be summarized as follows:

• Change in defecation habits
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Pale color
• Swelling
• The most important symptom of anemia

Bleeding, that comes from the 15 cm part of the large intestine where is close to anus area, is one of the most important symptoms in colon cancer. But colon cancer caused by initial part of large intestine that is close to small intestine leads to blood loss more often with occult bleeding from the anus and reveal itself with anemia.

Polyps over 2 cm can develop into cancer.

Polyps are structures that start in the form of mole originating from inside of large intestine, then transform into cancer by growing. They are considered to be precursors of colon cancers. Polyps below 2 cm have a low risk of transforming into cancer, while polyps exceeding 2 cm in size have a very high risk of  transforming into cancer.

Golden standard in screening is colonoscopy.

Golden standard in screening of colon cancer is colonoscopy. Colonoscopy is the procedure in which anus is entered via long flexible tool that has light and camera in its tip and has approximately 1 cm size, and then all large intestines are inspected. The diagnosis is made directly in a way that the tumor is seen with the eye and the biopsy taken from there is pathologically examined.

Final treatment is surgery

Final treatment for colon cancer is surgery. In surgery, the diseased part is removed, and the intestines are combined with each other again (anastomosis is performed). In short, the patient does not need ostomy (an opening-bag created surgically for defecation). But, if the cancer has settled in the rectum, then the approach in this case is more different. The rectum is the part of the large intestine with about 15-18 cm after the anus, and it is examined in 3 sections; part after anus is called lower section, and respectively called middle and upper sections.  In surgery, the diseased part is removed in cancer of upper rectum section, and the intestines are combined. In the cancers of middle rectum, the intestines are combined; however, the small intestine is temporarily removed outside to be closed later so that the sutures in the united bowel section keep together. In lower rectal cancers, a permanent ostomy may need to be opened to the person.

Robotic surgery in colon cancer shortens recovery time.

Robotic surgery is updated treatment method that can be applied in all patients in colon and rectum cancer surgeries and has many advantages for both the patient and the surgeon. The operation, which is performed through several small incisions made in the patient's abdomen, is carried out by the surgeon located 3-4 meters away from the patient. Owing to 3D and zoom feature up to 9 times, all tissues and nerves are seen much more clearly and in detail. Another surgeon, standing at the head of the patient during the entire operation, helps the surgeon on the console. The surgeon transmits his/her hand movements he/she performed via console to robotic instruments that have more mobility than human hand, and cuts connection of cancerous part of the colon with peripheral tissues, then separates remaining part and remove them out of body. Separated parts of the colon are united, then a new exit way for the stool is achieved, then the operation is terminated by closing small incisions. After colectomy, it may be necessary to permanently or temporarily excrete the stool into a bag. In case that the incisions are small after the operation, this speeds up the recovery time of the patient.

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.