Almost all of these cancers start as abnormal growths in the lining of the colon and rectum called polyps. These polyps grow slowly and take around 10 years for some polyps to develop into cancer. Though not all polyps progress to cancer, the removal of these polyps reduces the risk of developing cancer. In addition, polyps and early cancer usually do not cause complaints, like rectal bleeding, constipation, and abdominal pain that are experienced by patients in later stages of cancer.
"The Colorectal Unit at The Medical City aims to be at the forefront in Filipinos achieving to beat colorectal cancer. Our message is that cancer screening can save lives, but not that many people are being screened. This strategy has been shown to reduce CRC risks by as high as 70 percent. As an advocate, I believe that now is the time to educate the general public and mobilize the health community to beat colorectal cancer" Dr. Jun R Ruiz says.
The Factors that increase the risk for cancer in the colon and rectum are:
- Age greater than 50
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or advanced polyps
- A family history of CRC
- Re-existing diseases involving long-term inflammation of the colon
A family history of a first-degree relative with CRC is increased two to three-fold. The risk is especially higher when cancer occurred before the age of 60, or when two relatives have CRC.
There are also lifestyle factors that likely contribute to the formation of cancer in the colon and rectum:
- Cigarette smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- A diet that has high saturated fat, low fiber, and high red meat consumption
Living a healthy lifestyle by avoiding smoking, not consuming excessive alcohol, exercise regularly and eating the right food that lowers your risk for emphysema, cirrhosis of the liver, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, all these measures can lower your risk of cancer in the colon or rectum.
BE SCREENED
In several countries, CRC screening is recommended for people starting the age of 50 years. Screening at an earlier age, usually 40, is advocated in first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer, and even earlier in those with other additional risk factors.
The gold standard for CRC screening is a colonoscopy as it can detect and remove early lesions like polyps. A procedure in which flexible fiberoptic scope with a camera that is inserted through the rectum and is carefully advanced to visualize the colon under mild anesthesia. However, it is an invasive test and has potential to cause complications (bleeding, puncturing the colon)
Some patients may not want to have an invasive test or may find the cost of a colonoscopy expensive. A stool test called Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) is a good screening alternative. FIT detects only human blood and is specific for bleeding in the colon. Persons who have a positive FIT are 12 to 40 times likely to harbor cancer than those with a negative test. The test is repeated every year if the initial test is negative. If the test is positive a colonoscopy is needed to rule out the presence of cancer.
Dr. Ruiz who is a gastroenterologist who advocates for CRC screening, recommends a screening colonoscopy in people between 50 to 75 years of age who are healthy unless the risk of the procedure is high in that patient.
A shared-decision between the patient and his physician is very crucial. by undergoing either method of CRC screening we would be able to beat colorectal cancer.
As the saying goes " Prevention is better than cure"
For more of The Kitchen Mom adventure, you can visit my Instagram account @thekitchenmom and Facebook Page @TheKitchenMom and please do always visit my blog for more of my featured restaurants, new products, health, adventures and more at www.thekitchenmombydhess.com
As the saying goes " Prevention is better than cure"
For more of The Kitchen Mom adventure, you can visit my Instagram account @thekitchenmom and Facebook Page @TheKitchenMom and please do always visit my blog for more of my featured restaurants, new products, health, adventures and more at www.thekitchenmombydhess.com
Comments
I am curious din kasi from what I remember beauty queens Rio Diaz and Chat Silayan and Pres Cory Aquino died because of this disease. Ibig sabihin ba nito they have not good lifestyle or diet?
Yes, the symposium that was held and organized by The Medical City was really an eye opener and very informative.
Regarding the lifestyle of the late Pres.Cory Aquino, handling the entire country and the with all the stress that she acquired contributed to he Colon Cancer, same thing with the late Chat Silayan more likely it could have been their lifestyle and stress as well.