Know more about your intestines and stay healthy

Colorectal cancer, commonly known as "intestinal cancer", is a very common digestive tract malignancy, and rectal cancer is more common in clinical practice. Colorectal cancer ranks third in incidence and fifth in causes of death worldwide. In recent years, the incidence and mortality rates in my country have shown a significant upward trend, so it needs to be given full attention. Below I will introduce some popular scientific knowledge about colorectal cancer, hoping to help everyone with basic prevention and treatment.

First, we need to understand what kind of people should be wary of colorectal cancer;

1. Family history of colorectal cancer

2. Have you ever had colorectal polyps, adenomas, etc.

3. The appearance of mucus and blood in the stool and changes in bowel habits

4. Unexplained anemia and weight loss

5. Positive fecal occult blood test

6. People with chronic diarrhea, chronic constipation, chronic cholecystitis and those who have undergone appendectomy

7. Bad eating habits: long-term high-fat, high-protein and low-fiber diet; long-term consumption of processed meat or red meat, pickled or fried foods.

8. Unhealthy lifestyle: smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise, irregular work and rest schedule, and high mental stress.

What are the clinical symptoms of colorectal cancer?

The most common symptom is a change in bowel habits, including increased frequency of bowel movements, diarrhea or constipation; the stool may also become deformed, thinner or irregular in shape; it often contains bright red or dark red blood and mucus, or even bloody stools; abdominal symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal masses and intestinal obstruction; in the later stages, systemic symptoms may appear: weight loss, anemia, fatigue and low fever.

For colon cancer, the 5-year survival rate of stage I colon cancer exceeds 90%. If the colon cancer has metastasized to distant sites, the 5-year survival rate drops to 14%. Early detection of colorectal cancer and standardized treatment are an important part of improving prognosis and prolonging survival, which requires us to have regular physical examinations. Current screening methods include: 1. Fecal occult blood test, once a year for 3 years; 2. Colonoscopy: The occurrence of colorectal cancer mostly follows the adenoma-adenocarcinoma model. The discovery and removal of intestinal polyps are the most direct, effective and convenient means of preventing colorectal cancer; a physical examination without a colonoscopy is not a real physical examination; 3. Residents with a family history of colorectal cancer are recommended to undergo genetic-related gene testing, and a healthy lifestyle can avoid 66% of colon cancer and 75% of rectal cancer. Next, let us take a brief look at the issues that we should pay attention to in life.

1. Adjust your diet: Eat more whole grains, vegetables, fruits, etc. that are rich in dietary fiber. This can increase stool accumulation, promote defecation, and shorten the contact time between carcinogens and the colorectum. It is recommended that the daily intake of animal food should not exceed 200g, and try to stay away from barbecue and smoked products.

2. Increasing physical activity can control weight, avoid obesity, and enhance immunity. It is recommended to perform 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as jogging, cycling, swimming, badminton and other sports.

3. Actively treat ulcerative colitis, chronic intestinal inflammation, intestinal polyps, and colorectal adenomas to prevent the disease from worsening and leading to cancer.

4. Quit smoking and drinking: Smoking can increase the risk of colorectal cancer by about 20%; for every 10g increase in alcohol consumption, the risk of colorectal cancer increases by 7%. Ethanol is converted into acetaldehyde after contact with saliva, making the acetaldehyde level in saliva 10-100 times higher than that in the blood.

Colon cancer is also called "stupid cancer". It is a preventable cancer. Early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment can keep the tumor away. Remember that early detection and screening are the key. As long as it is detected early, cancer can be cured.

Source: Banan District Second People's Hospital

Author: Wu Lijuan, Department of Pathology

Review expert: Du Guo, deputy chief physician

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