Russia – Bowel cancer leads among all types of cancer in terms of prevalence among different ages. It often affects men aged 50-60 years.
In an interview with the “Izvestia” newspaper, Dr. Beslan Balkarov, an oncologist, points out the factors that help in the development of bowel cancer.
He says: “Unfortunately, bowel cancer, like many oncological diseases, is almost asymptomatic in its initial stages, which weakens the patient’s attention. “Because the alarm bells for the disease begin to appear very late, when the patient notices abnormalities in the stool and the appearance of blood clots following defecation.”
According to him, colorectal cancer affects all parts of the colon, especially the left half. Each type of tumor has distinct symptoms.
He says: “When there is a tumor in the right (ascending) hemisphere, the patient suffers from constant weakness and fatigue once morest the background of anemia, and sometimes there is a high temperature and weight loss. “The tumor in the left (descending) half manifests itself differently, most often with intestinal problems (constipation or diarrhea), abdominal pain and flatulence, intestinal obstruction, as well as bloody or purulent discharge from the rectum, accompanied by acute pain during defecation.”
According to him, one of the main risk factors is intestinal infections and polyps which are directly linked to colorectal cancer.
He says: “The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases by more than 30 percent a few years following the appearance of inflammation in the intestine.” Chronic ulcerative colitis, which lasts more than 15 years, raises the risk of colorectal cancer to 45 percent. Patients with Crohn’s disease (formation of ulcers and scars on the intestinal mucosa) and proctitis are also at risk. These diseases can inevitably lead to cancer. In addition, some types of benign tumors, such as adenomas, can transform in 80 percent of cases into malignant tumors in the intestine over time.”
He points out that the age factor also plays a role, as most patients are over 50 years old. According to the observations of doctors, following 55 years, the frequency of clinical cases of bowel cancer increases and reaches its highest levels in patients aged 70 years.
He says: “Excessive consumption of fast food and high-calorie fried foods high in trans fats, along with a severe lack of fiber and healthy nutrients in the diet, increases the risk of bowel cancer by up to 40 percent.” “Those who consume more than 160 grams of red and processed meat daily for many years are particularly at risk.”
The doctor points out that smoking and drinking alcohol are risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer. It has been proven that smoking 40 cigarettes a day increases the risk by 50 percent, and consuming 50 grams of alcohol daily increases the risk by 70 percent.
In addition, there are other factors that together contribute to the development of bowel cancer, such as a sedentary lifestyle, chronic constipation, obesity, and diabetes.
Source: “Izvestia” newspaper
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2024-03-30 22:51:19
