About 2,400 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Colorado alone, and the incidence of middle-aged people is gradually increasing.
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor (adenocarcinoma) that occurs in the colon or rectum, most of which originates in the mucous membrane. do. It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer type and the second leading cause of cancer death. In fact, in Colorado, about 2,040 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer last year, and about 700 died or were dying from the disease.
Fortunately, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented. With proper screening, doctors can find and remove hidden tumors (called ‘polyps’) in the colon before they become cancerous. If polyps are removed, cancer can be completely prevented, and if cancer is detected early through regular checkups, high accessibility to treatment can be expected.
It is noteworthy that this rate of colorectal cancer is rapidly shifting to younger people as it increases in the young and decreases in the elderly. The American Cancer Society recently reported that 20% of new colorectal cancer diagnoses in 2019 occurred in patients under the age of 55, double the level in 1995 (11%).
As colorectal cancer increases in the middle-aged, it is very important to manage health in advance.
Lifestyle habits to prevent colorectal cancer are as follows:
·Restrict food such as meat, eggs, milk products, salad dressing, and oil to reduce fat intake and lead a healthy diet. Eat lots of fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
Do not smoke and limit alcohol.
· Get regular exercise for 45 to 60 minutes a week and control your weight if you are obese. When you exercise, the large intestine, one of the digestive organs, is also effective in reducing visceral fat.
·Check the genetic factor to see if there is a history of colon cancer or benign polyps in the family.
If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of colon cancer, such as inflammatory bowel disease, talk to your doctor about the right age to start cancer screening.
·Check for common symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, fatigue, and sudden weight loss.
HealthONE’s Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, recommended that people at average risk start regular screening at age 45. Colorectal cancer screening has a variety of testing options, including simple and inexpensive tests. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about options that are right for you and whether or not you have health insurance. The most common tests include a stool test performed privately at home using a kit, and a colonoscopy performed by a specialist in a hospital or outpatient center.
On the other hand, additional information such as colorectal cancer-related risk factors, diagnosis and staging, treatment and side effect management can be found in the Cancer Support Community. https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/colorectal-cancercan be checked in