SCREENING SAVES LIFE IN COLORECTAL CANCER
Being one of prevalent cancers both in our country and global-scale, colon cancer represents one the fields, where most comprehensive scientific studies and research are conducted. More than 90% of colon cancers develop from a polyp. Early-stage polyps are benign formations that do not metastasize and have not transformed into a cancer. If it is removed with endoscopic method (polypectomy) before it transforms into a cancer, colon cancer can be largely eliminated. Expressing that screening programs largely eliminate the occurrence of colon cancer, , General Surgeon of Liv Hospital, explained the symptoms and treatment of colon cancer.
Screening colonoscopies are very important
Screening colonoscopy plays a significant role in the prevention of colon cancer. In countries where this cancer is prevalent, there are screening programs that are similar to each other which are accepted by the health authority of those countries. In all screening programs, it is recommended to visualize inside the colon, entirely or partially, with eye using colonoscopy method. Here, the aim is to prevent cancer or to diagnose and treat early-stage cancer that does not show any symptom.
Occurrence of cancer can be prevented
He reports that if family risk factors and personal risk factors of colon cancer that can be corrected or should be followed up are identified and relevant check-ups are organized, occurrence of cancer can be largely prevented or cancers can be diagnosed at early stages and managed more easily. It is recommended to start screening colonoscopy at earlier ages and to plan follow-up visits more frequently for persons with genetic predisposition, i.e. colorectal cancer or other cancers that may be genetically linked to colorectal cancer, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and thyroid cancer.
The risk increases if family history is notable for family member(s) with a colorectal cancer developed before the age of 45 years or for family member(s) who has/have undergone polypectomy to have polyp(s) removed. The severity of risk is assessed by healthcare professionals based on particular criteria and a follow-up and screening program are determined accordingly. If family history of the patient is notable for colorectal cancer, the time to start screening colonoscopy and intervals between follow-up visits for first degree relatives are determined by taken the age of the relative with cancer into consideration along with other characteristics. If a polyp is found in screening colonoscopy and it is successfully removed with “therapeutic polypectomy”, the risk of colon cancer substantially decreases.
Genetic predisposition is very important
The risk of colon cancer is not equal for individuals of the general population. As the case for many other cancers, the risk of colorectal cancer increases by aging. Predisposition to a cancer is usually determined by “correctable” and “uncorrectable” factors. This rule also applies to the colorectal cancer. Major uncorrectable factors include aging and genetic predisposition. Colorectal cancer may be more prevalent in some families. Although this type of cancer does not differ from diseases that cause genetic predisposition in families, such families are usually followed up at more frequent intervals. The risk of the condition is so high in some familial colorectal cancer syndromes that prophylactic removal is required for the colon, as advised by guidelines regarding timing and method, in those family members. Considering prevention of colorectal cancer, correctable risk factors include obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, protein-rich diet, consumption of red meat in high amounts and sedentary lifestyle. When those risk factors are corrected, the risk of colon cancer will decrease.
Screening is a must after the age of 50
Aging increases prevalence of polyps. Colon cancer screening is started after the age of 50 years in health individuals with no relevant risk in general population. If screening colonoscopy indicates no abnormality in a person with average risk, who is older than 50, the risk of cancer is deemed eliminated approximately for 8 to 10 years. However, if the person has risk factors or a polyp is identified in previous colonoscopy, if family history is notable for colorectal cancer or a first-degree relative has an adenomatous polyp, frequency of colonoscopic screening varies. If no polyp is found in screening colonoscopy, it is not necessary to hurry up for a second screening colonoscopy in individuals with no risk factor. The time that should elapse until a second screening colonoscopy in individuals who have familial risk or have a polyp that is found in colonoscopy depends on the type, size, number and internal structure of the polyp.
Is colon cancer dangerous?
Since colon cancer is a slowly progressing condition that does not show any symptom, early diagnosis is very important. This type of cancer that is commonly found in individuals aged 50 or older can be cured if the condition is diagnosed at early stage. Colon cancer is the second or third most common cancer worldwide.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
• Anemia
• Palpable mass
• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in stool
• Thinning of stool
• Change in defecation habits
• Insufficient feeling of emptying bowel
• Abdominal pain persisting longer than 15 days
How is colon cancer diagnosed?
First, the patient should seek medical help from a doctor and have a complete physical examination, including rectal examination; complaints should be addressed by healthcare professionals. Next, the following tests should be performed sequentially: Laboratory tests (complete blood count, biochemistry profile). CEA (Carcinoembriogenic antigen) is ordered in between. This antigen may elevate in serum of individuals with colon cancer and it is one of the useful analyses that help not only making a diagnosis, but also clarifying recurrence of treatment. Next, examinations are ordered that focus on complaints of the patient and colonoscopic examination is required along with some simple blood tests. If colonoscopy shows a polyp, it is removed; or if a mass lesion is found, biopsy specimens are collected that enable tissue examination. Definitive diagnosis is based on pathological examination. If the person is diagnosed with cancer, MRI, CT scan of abdomen and PET/CT, for advanced stage cases, are ordered to determine the stage.
