Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor of the colon and rectum. Although the names are different for colon cancer and rectal cancer depending on the location of occurrence, they are collectively referred to as colon cancer or colorectal cancer. The causes of occurrence can be largely divided into environmental and genetic factors, but above all, it is scary that there are no symptoms of self-awareness at an early stage enough to be called the ‘silent killer’ among cancers. Learn more regarding colorectal cancer with Yang Sung-soo, a professor of surgery at Ulsan University Hospital.
◇ Advanced countries cancer ‘colorectal cancer’
Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas that originate in the mucous membrane of the large intestine. In addition to adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, malignant carcinoid tumor, and leiomyosarcoma may occur as primary. If you look at the current status of colorectal cancer in Korea announced by the National Cancer Information Center in 2020, it ranked third in all cancers following thyroid cancer and lung cancer. Moreover, the incidence rate has increased rapidly over time.
Colorectal cancer has increased at a very rapid rate over the past 20 years. This is presumably due to changes in diet, environment, and aging. Compared to Asian countries such as Japan and China, the rate of increase is very fast.
This rapid increase is closely related to eating habits. Colorectal cancer is often referred to as a Western-type cancer in developed countries. Westerners eat a lot of high-calorie foods and do not consume much fiber, so the incidence of colorectal cancer is high. On the other hand, although the incidence of colorectal cancer in Asians was low, it is called Western-type cancer because the incidence of colorectal cancer in Korea has recently become westernized and the incidence of colorectal cancer has increased. Of course, as the number of colorectal cancer patients over the age of 60 increases, the reasons for aging are appearing.
◇No specific early symptoms
Early colorectal cancer has no specific symptoms. In many cases, the cancer has already progressed considerably following examination due to abnormalities. In some cases, there may be no symptoms even when it is advanced. Therefore, for a healthy colon, it is helpful to keep the colon healthy by paying attention to the stool for a while, rather than flushing water immediately following toileting. Also, if the feeling, frequency, shape, or smell of stool is different from usual, you should suspect that there is a problem with the colon.
In order to prevent colon cancer, it is good to consume a lot of dietary fiber that can manage the intestines cleanly. Dietary fiber absorbs substances that cause carcinogens, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis accumulated in the body and excretes them out of the body. Fiber-rich foods include brown rice, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes, and carrots. How you eat is also important. Foods rich in dietary fiber are best eaten boiled, steamed, or grilled.
Yang Seong-soo, a professor of surgery at Ulsan University Hospital, said, “It is good to reduce the intake of fatty meats and pure sugars such as sugar.” “Constant exercise is also very important. Regular exercise for regarding 30 minutes a day can help prevent colorectal cancer and prevent recurrence,” he explained.
◇Constipation and hemorrhoids are different from colon cancer
It is called the ‘silent killer’, but there is no need to be frightened by the false rumors that people get colon cancer due to ‘severe constipation’ or ‘neglected hemorrhoids’. Once constipation lasts for a long time, it does not mean that you will get colon cancer. If the stool stays in the large intestine for a long time, more water absorption, which is the main function of the large intestine, can cause the stool to harden.
Professor Yang said, “Constipation is simply one of the symptoms of difficulty in defecation, and it is definitely not the cause of colon cancer. In fact, only a very small number of patients are diagnosed with colon cancer among people with symptoms of constipation,” he stressed. .
However, colorectal cancer patients often have other characteristic symptoms along with constipation. Sudden thinning of stool, accompanied by bleeding during bowel movements, and weight loss. In addition, if you are over 65 years old or young, but have a family history, you need an accurate test.
Hemorrhoids and cancer are completely different diseases, so they do not turn into colon cancer. Occasionally, bleeding during defecation and occasional mucosal prolapse that feels like a lump can be confusing because it resembles symptoms of rectal cancer.
However, Professor Yang said, “On the contrary, there are cases where people think it is hemorrhoids and then get diagnosed with cancer. Hemorrhoids do not turn into cancer, but if the symptoms that are considered hemorrhoids persist, you must consult a specialist and get an accurate diagnosis.”
It is true that the cure rate of colorectal cancer has increased, but early detection and prevention are much more important. The right diet and lifestyle for prevention, and early screening for colorectal cancer must be followed. It is also important not to miss the timing of treatment by attracting various folk remedies.
Professor Yang said, “The basis for a complete cure for colorectal cancer is accurate and standardized surgery, and appropriate surgery and auxiliary treatment are the basics. It is a disease that requires constant effort and management for a long time following treatment is over,” he explained.
Reporter Jeon Sang-heon [email protected]