Three major factors are responsible for the high incidence of colorectal cancer in the elderly

Surveys show that the incidence and age of colorectal cancer in my country are both on the rise. Starting at age 55, the risk of colorectal cancer continues to rise, generally reaching a peak in the 80-84 age group.

Taking Shanghai as an example, more than half of colorectal cancer cases occur in people over 70 years old; and among patients over 75 years old, colorectal tumors continue to rise at a rate of 3.91% per year. With the gradual improvement of living standards, people consume more and more high-calorie, low-fiber foods, coupled with the daily "pampered" lack of exercise, resulting in an increasing incidence of colorectal cancer, a "rich disease" related to lifestyle.

Colorectal cancer in the elderly

Huang Rui, a member of the Tumor Metastasis Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and a professor of colorectal tumor surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, pointed out in an interview with reporters that the elderly are susceptible to cancer, and their incidence of malignant tumors is significantly higher than that of other groups. As the proportion of the elderly population increases, the number of new malignant tumors and long-term survival will also "rise with the tide". We must strive for early detection and early treatment to ensure that elderly colorectal cancer patients have long-term survival rates and a better quality of life after surgery.

Huang Rui introduced that due to the decline of physiological functions and slow reactions of elderly patients, colorectal tumors grow slowly and early symptoms lack specificity. Most elderly people's initial clinical manifestations are not obvious, and they are often in the middle and late stages when they seek medical treatment. Generally speaking, the common first symptoms of colorectal cancer patients are changes in bowel habits and bloody and mucous stools, followed by intestinal obstruction, abdominal mass, abdominal pain and distension, diarrhea, etc.; with the increase of age, the incidence of abdominal mass and intestinal obstruction in elderly colorectal cancer patients also increases, so we must be particularly vigilant against these "clues".

Early clinical symptoms should not be ignored

Research data shows that the highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the elderly in my country is in the rectum and sigmoid colon, followed by the right colon, transverse colon, and descending colon. Colorectal tumors in the elderly are generally around 2-5 cm, and there are fewer cases of tumors smaller than 2 cm. At the same time, the ulcer type is more common clinically, followed by the protrusion type, infiltration type, and other types are relatively rare.

In response to the above situation, Huang Rui reminded that for mild digestive tract symptoms in elderly patients, such as bloody stools, mucus and bloody stools, and changes in bowel habits, outpatient and clinical doctors should attach great importance to them, carefully inquire about the medical history, and give corresponding examinations in time, including digital rectal examination, full colonoscopy, abdominal CT, etc., to avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis; at the same time, they should increase the intensity of popular science education to let the public understand and recognize colorectal cancer.

Huang Rui pointed out that the proportion of elderly colorectal cancer patients in stage I to II is relatively high, and they are mainly moderately and highly differentiated adenocarcinomas, indicating that their malignancy is relatively low and there is a good prognosis, which to a certain extent provides favorable conditions for radical resection and obtaining better therapeutic effects. At present, my country's medical technology and level are very high. Age is no longer a limiting factor for surgery. Effective control of preoperative complications and perioperative monitoring and treatment can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and surgical deaths, allowing the elderly to enjoy a "second spring" after surgery.

To prevent colorectal cancer, you should "control your mouth and move your legs"

So, how can we avoid the invasion of colorectal cancer? Huang Rui warned that from the perspective of lifestyle, to prevent colorectal cancer, we must "control our mouths and move our legs". These two points are crucial, because genetic susceptibility genes cannot be changed, but they can be prevented by changing unhealthy lifestyles. For example, quit smoking and limit alcohol, lose weight, control blood sugar, and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Usually, you should eat more vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as cabbage, spinach, celery and broccoli; you should also eat dragon fruit, kiwi fruit, oranges and other fruits that are good for laxatives to reduce the contact time between carcinogens in feces and intestinal mucosa, and prevent the occurrence of colorectal cancer. In addition, spicy, raw, cold, sour and astringent foods should be avoided; high-fat, high-protein, low-fiber and smoked, fried, and pickled foods should also be avoided to avoid increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and the damage of excessive nitrites to the body.

Preventing constipation can effectively reduce the risk of colon cancer. Therefore, many people use laxatives to solve the problem of difficulty in defecation. Huang Rui reminds that this practice is not advisable. "All medicines are poisonous." Although laxatives can help promote gastrointestinal motility and facilitate defecation, long-term abuse can cause abnormal gastrointestinal motility and destroy normal intestinal flora. At the same time, it will cause dependence on laxatives. Once the drug is stopped, it will lead to more severe constipation. Huang Rui pointed out that laxatives can only be used in special constipation or obstruction, or before gastrointestinal endoscopy. They are temporary emergency drugs and cannot be taken at will.

Huang Rui suggested that older friends should enhance their awareness of regular physical examinations and strive to have a comprehensive physical examination every year. In particular, they should have a colonoscopy screening every two years or so to facilitate timely treatment if rectal polyps or precancerous lesions are found.