He colon cancer It remains the second most deadly tumor in Mexico. One of the main reasons is because It does not produce symptoms in its initial stages. As a result, most diagnoses are made when it is in an advanced stage.
According to the Ministry of Health (SSa), 14,901 new cases during 2020. The problem was that in the same period there were little more than 7 thousand deaths.
Who is most at risk of colon cancer?
Although the risk of developing colon cancer has decreased among people over 50 years of age, mainly due to the increase in screening tests, recent studies show an increase in this type of tumor among younger patients.
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Main discomforts caused by colon cancer
- Change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Continuous discomfort in the abdominal area, such as cramps, gas or pain.
- Sensation that the intestine is not completely emptied during defecation.
- Weakness or tiredness.
- Involuntary weight loss.
With this in mind, Dr. Brenda Jimenez Cantisano, gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic Floridashares some tips to reduce the probability of suffering from this neoplasia.
Colon cancer risk and family medical history
If you have a relative with colon cancer, the risk of developing it is approximately 6%. But this percentage increases 3 to 4 times if the diagnosed relative has a first-degree relationship (mom, dad or siblings) and if the detection was done before the age of 50.
Screening tests
In recent years, non-invasive tests have emerged that help determine in the first instance the possible presence of this specific type of cancersuch as stool tests that detect blood in the stool or those that identify abnormal DNA in it.
The other study that diagnoses the possible presence of this cancer is the colon tomography or virtual colonoscopy.
If any of these tests represent the first of the two steps in detecting the Colorectal cancer If it is positive, the second step would be a colonoscopy that allows doctors to see inside the rectum and the lower part of the colon.
Other risk factors
Physical inactivity, consumption of saturated fats, and some inflammatory colon diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, increase the risk of Colorectal cancer.
Some symptoms and signs that are related to this type of cancer are rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and changes in bowel movements (thinner stools, painful bowel movements, and constipation).
What happens after a positive diagnosis?
Depending on the location and stage of the cancertreatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation. Each case is individualized and is carried out with the participation of a multidisciplinary group of specialists.
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