While approximately 2 million people around the world are diagnosed with colon or rectum cancer every year, the disease is among the most important causes of cancer-related deaths. In Türkiye, there are 20, 25 thousand new cases per year. The most important change that draws attention in recent years is that the disease has begun to be seen not only in older ages but also in younger age groups. Answering Haberglobal.com’s questions within the scope of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Assoc. Prof. from Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery. Dr. Server Sezgin Uludağ talked about the frequency of the disease, its symptoms, the reasons for its increase in young ages and new treatment methods.
-How common is colon cancer in Turkey and the world?
Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Every year, approximately 2 million people around the world are diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer. A significant portion of those who die due to cancer are caused by this disease. In Türkiye, approximately 20, 25 thousand new cases are seen every year. In our country, there is an increase in the number of cases and the age at which the disease occurs is gradually shifting to earlier periods. For this reason, colon cancer appears as an important health problem that needs to be closely monitored in every aspect.
-What are the biggest reasons for the emergence of colon cancer?
Colon cancer generally does not develop due to a single cause. Often a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors play a role. The most important risk factors include excessive consumption of red and processed meat, a diet low in fiber, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol use. Smoking and alcohol pose a serious risk for colon cancer, as in many types of cancer. The risk is higher in people with a family history of colon cancer. Therefore, healthy nutrition, regular exercise and weight control are among the important protective factors. We also see that some patients who smoke and drink heavily experience colon cancer at a much younger age.
-Is the number of people getting the disease at a young age increasing?
Research conducted in recent years shows that the incidence of colon cancer is increasing in people under the age of 40. Although the reason for this is not known exactly, it is due to obesity, increase in ready-made and processed foods, sedentary life and changes in intestinal flora. For this reason, colon cancer is no longer seen only as a disease of old age. Similarly, the age at which many types of cancer occurs is decreasing gradually.
-What symptoms do colon cancer appear with?
Colon cancer may not cause symptoms in the early stages in some patients. In other words, the disease can progress insidiously. However, some complaints can be an important warning. The most common symptoms are: Blood in the stool, prolonged constipation or diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain and bloating, anemia and fatigue. If these complaints continue for a few weeks, it is necessary to consult a doctor without delay. Of course, these symptoms do not always mean cancer. However, if there are complaints that do not go away for a long time, it is necessary to consult a physician.
-When should screening tests be done?
The most effective way to protect yourself from colon cancer is regular screening tests. Nowadays, the screening age has been reduced to 45 in many countries. The most reliable screening method is colonoscopy. If the result is normal, it is generally recommended to repeat it every 5 years. For people with a family history of colon cancer, screening should start at an earlier age. In addition, since the risk is higher in people with some genetic diseases and hereditary bowel diseases, patients in this group need to be followed up with more frequent and early screenings. Early diagnosis saves lives. When colon cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment success is quite high. In patients caught at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate can exceed 90 percent.
-Are there new methods in treatment?
There have been significant developments in the treatment of colon cancer in recent years. Especially thanks to laparoscopic and robotic surgery, patients are operated on with smaller incisions and the recovery process is faster. In addition, smart drugs and New treatment methods such as immunotherapy also provide very effective results in some patient groups. Non-surgical treatment options can also be used in some special patient groups. Nowadays, personalized treatment plans can be made according to the genetic characteristics of the tumor. We perform most of these surgeries using closed methods.
-What can we do today to protect ourselves from colon cancer?
First of all, increase vegetables, fruits and fiber foods; Reducing processed meat consumption. Exercising regularly and maintaining weight control. It is important not to neglect regular check-ups after the age of 45.. Colon cancer is a disease that is largely treatable when diagnosed early. Therefore, regular screening tests are as important as healthy living habits.
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