In 2023, the famous Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, who won an Oscar, and the Japanese “Big Stomach Witch” Sugawara Shodai, who once ate 399 bowls of soba noodles in 10 minutes, both died of colorectal cancer. In recent years, other well-known figures who have lost their lives to colorectal cancer include Brazilian football champion Pele and American Marvel movie “Black Panther” actor Chadwick. Chadwick Boseman⋯⋯Currently, colorectal cancer has become the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and has attracted increasing attention.
Colorectal cancer is the third most lethal cancer in the United States, according to the latest data from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). It is estimated that the number of new cases of colorectal cancer in the United States will exceed 150,000 in 2023, and the number of deaths is expected to reach 52,550.
However, colorectal cancer is a preventable cancer. In addition to changing diet, increasing exercise and other lifestyles, high-risk groups should undergo early colorectal cancer screening to enable early detection and treatment of cancer. The 5-year relative survival rate can reach more than 90%.
Most colorectal cancers are caused by polyps
Colorectal cancer, also known as “colorectal cancer”, can be subdivided into colon cancer, rectal cancer or colorectal cancer due to different locations of the lesions. Since they are all part of the large intestine, they are collectively called colorectal cancer.
The colon is a muscular tube about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long that makes up most of the large intestine. After the colon absorbs water and salt from leftover food, the waste left behind passes into the rectum.
The rectum is the last 6 inches (15 centimeters) of the digestive system, where waste products from digestion are stored and eventually excreted through the anus.
Due to age, genetics, bad living habits, etc., the intestinal environment of the large intestine changes, leading to the formation of polyps on the inner wall of the large intestine. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps in the intestinal lining. However, while some types of polyps can turn into cancer, not all polyps do.
Colorectal cancer rarely has subjective symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, blood in the stool, black stool, and sticky blood in the stool will appear. Symptoms such as anemia, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea, thin stool, and abdominal bloating will then appear. Severe symptoms can cause intestinal obstruction.
Colorectal cancer, also known as “colorectal cancer”. Pictured is the structure of the large intestine. (Shutterstock/Epoch Times Graphics)
4 types of people at high risk of colorectal cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), age, race, personal or family medical history are all risk factors for colorectal cancer. The following are four types of high-risk groups for colorectal cancer, which should be especially careful.
● People over 50 years old, but now there is a trend of younger people;
● People with a family history of colon cancer are more likely to develop colorectal cancer;
● People who consume a low-fiber, high-fat diet have a higher risk of colorectal cancer;
● People who are sedentary and inactive are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
In addition, patients with diabetes, obesity, smokers and heavy drinkers are also at higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is 90% curable if prevention is important and early detection is important
In addition to congenital factors such as family history and age, good living habits such as exercising, avoiding red meat and processed meat products, preventing excessive obesity, and quitting smoking and drinking can all help prevent colorectal cancer.
In addition, supplementing some nutrients can also play a supporting role. For example, folic acid can help prevent colorectal cancer, while calcium and selenium can protect the large intestine. Eating more fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods is good for your colon and overall health.
According to information from the American Cancer Society (ACS), early detection and early treatment of colorectal cancer can greatly improve the 5-year survival rate.
Early non-spread stage: 5-year relative survival rate is 91%, approximately 37% of patients are diagnosed at this stage.
Spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or regional lymph nodes: 5-year relative survival rate is 73%, with approximately 36% of patients diagnosed at this stage.
Has spread to distant parts of the body: The 5-year relative survival rate is 14%, and approximately 22% of patients are diagnosed at this stage.
However, if a patient at this stage has only one or a few tumors that have spread to the lungs or liver, sometimes surgical resection can greatly improve the 5-year relative survival rate.
According to information from the American Cancer Society (ACS), early detection and early treatment of colorectal cancer can greatly improve the 5-year survival rate. (Epoch Times Cartography)
Colonoscopy has 2 purposes for early colorectal cancer screening
A key to early detection of colorectal cancer is early screening, which is important for improving survival rates.
Early colorectal cancer screening includes colonoscopy, stool testing, etc. Among them, colonoscopy is a common examination.
A colonoscopy is performed by the doctor using a long tube from the patient’s anus into the large intestine. There are lights and cameras in front of the tube. If you encounter areas where you cannot see clearly, you can flush away foreign matter (such as feces) before checking.
There are two main purposes of colonoscopy:
The first is to check whether there are polyps in the intestine. If polyps are found, they can be removed immediately to avoid cancer.
The second is to check whether there is malignant tumor: if colorectal cancer tumors are detected early, there is a high cure rate.
During a colonoscopy, if polyps are found, they will be removed on the spot. (Shutterstock)
The age of onset of colorectal cancer is now trending younger. In 2021, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that the colorectal cancer screening age be lowered from 50 to 45 years old.(For specific screening age groups, please see the attached table at the end of the article)
Who should have a colonoscopy?
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) website, if any of the following symptoms occur and persist for several weeks, or if the symptoms worsen, you should seek medical treatment promptly and undergo a colonoscopy as arranged by your doctor.
1. Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the stool is not completely emptied.
2. Hematochezia: Feces containing bright red or dark blood
3. Abdominal discomfort, such as frequent gas pain, bloating, cramps, etc.
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Continuously feeling tired
6. Unexplained iron deficiency anemia
Before a colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist will first assess whether the patient has underlying diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. After determining the date for the colonoscopy, the patient needs to make preparations such as bowel cleansing and dietary adjustments in advance according to the doctor’s instructions.
For colorectal cancer screening age, please refer to the table below:
References for this article:
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Editor in charge: Li Fan◇
2023-12-20 21:52:33
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