Blood in the stool and pain in the lower abdomen are the main signs of intestinal cancer. Their early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, says Dr. Deborah Lee from the British online clinic Dr Fox Pharmacy, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
Dr Lee noted that a number of symptoms of bowel cancer can appear in the later stages of the disease. However, some signs appear already at the initial stages of its development. At the first stage, colon cancer often does not cause symptoms, the doctor said.
In later stages, symptoms may include blood in the stool, bleeding from the rectum, changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, and pain in the lower abdomen. By identifying these negative signs early, you can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment for this type of cancer, concluded Lee.
“Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer) can affect people of different ages and lifestyles, but there are certain groups that are higher risk of developing this disease,” says oncologist Andrey Vorobyov specifically for MedicForum.
Vorobiev named the main risk factors and groups of people who are at increased risk:
Age
People over 50 years of age are at increased risk. Most cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in people of this age group.
Heredity and genetics
Having a family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps increases the risk. Certain genetic conditions, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome, also increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.
Personal medical factors
People who have previously been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, are at risk.
“The presence of polyps in the colon or rectum, especially if they are adenomatous or serrhenic, also increases the risk.” .
Diet and Lifestyle
“A diet high in red and processed meat and low in fiber may increase the risk of developing bowel cancer.”
A sedentary lifestyle and obesity are also risk factors. Smoking and drinking too much alcohol increase your risk of developing cancer.
Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
History of radiation therapy
People who have had radiation therapy to the abdomen to treat other types of cancer may have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
“If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your doctor about having regular screening tests, such as a colonoscopy, which can help in the early detection and prevention of bowel cancer.”
Previously, MedicForum wrote about foods with good and bad fats.
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