Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a frequent health problem, being the third cause of cancer, after prostate and breast, and the second cause of cancer mortality in the world, says Dr. Mihăița Pătrășescu, gastroenterology specialist at the University Hospital of Central Military Emergency “Dr. Carol Davila”, for Agerpres.
According to him, about 20% of CRC cases have a hereditary component, but most of these are sporadic, depending on risk factors that could be avoided.
“Colorectal cancer is a common health problem. About 20% of cases have a hereditary component, but most cases are sporadic. The most important risk factors are: obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diet rich in highly thermally processed red meat (fried in oil), diet rich in animal fat, diet low in vegetables and fruits. Also, risk factors for the occurrence of CRC are diabetes, age over 50 years or the existence of first-degree relatives with CRC in the family”, explained the specialist.
Dr. Pătrășescu pointed out that the signs and symptoms can be non-specific, adding that among them are bloating, abdominal cramps, weight loss, recently installed constipation.
“The most important warning sign is rectal bleeding (blood in the stool). Rectalgias may not be obvious, so they can lead to iron deficiency anemia clinically expressed by pallor. The test of diagnostic suspicion is the test for occult bleeding in the stool; a positive test requires further investigation with a colonoscopic examination; a negative test does not exclude the diagnosis of CRC. Colonoscopy should be performed on the recommendation of the gastroenterologist in case of clinical suspicion of CRC, iron-loss anemia, age over 50 years, first-degree relatives with CRC, patients with type 2 diabetes,” added the doctor.
He specified that tumor markers are not sensitive or specific enough to be recommended as a diagnostic test, such an analysis being the carcinoembryonic antigen — ACE.
“Colonic polyps are benign lesions with significant potential to transform into CRC. Colonoscopic resection of these polyps (when possible) is an important gesture that prevents the occurrence of CRC. Colorectal cancer treatment requires consultation with the surgeon and the oncologist. Surgical treatment of CRC in early stages allows a 90% survival 5 years after surgery; therefore, an early diagnosis is necessary”, pointed out Dr. Pătrășescu.
According to him, to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, a healthy lifestyle can be very effective: daily physical efforts even of low intensity, treatment of obesity, cessation of smoking and alcohol, increasing the amount of vegetable fiber in the diet, reducing red meat preparations, writes doctorulzilei.ro.
2023-08-25 22:47:54
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