What is colon cancer and why it is important to detect it in time, according to a specialist from UNAM

He Colon Cancer is a disease in which malignant cells develop in the part of the large intestine call colon, that’s how they explain it Centers for Disaster Control and Preventionthe United States National Public Health Agency.

It usually starts with a polyp or a small bulge in the wall of the colon that can be found and removed all at once colonoscopy. However, if not caught early, cancer cells can grow and spread through the walls of the colon and to other parts of the body, which can be dangerous.

According to the specialist Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Juan W. Zinseris one of the most common cancers that exist and accounts for about 10% of cancer cases, it also accounts for 10% of cancer deaths.

There American Cancer Society reported that the proportion of diagnosed cases of this disease in people under the age of 55 almost doubled between 1995 and 2019.

The bone colon cancer symptoms They can vary, but often include blood in the stool, changes in bowel rhythm, abdominal pain, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, depending on the Spanish Association Against Cancer.

It is important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if there is a family history of Colon Cancer.

This type of cancer is treatable and curable if detected early. Early detection can be done by colonoscopy, which is a test that allows the doctor to see inside the colon and detect any polyps or abnormalities.

If detected, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and severity of the disease.

Over the years, the already very effective diagnostic methods to prevent this disease have evolved, such as colonoscopy, which consists of introducing a small flexible tube that contains a light and a camera at its end that identifies possible polyps, which gives origin to 85% or 90% of cancers at this level, thus explains Juan W. Zinser.

Prevention of this disease includes healthy lifestyle habits, such as a high-fiber diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking.

According to Cancer research in the UKOlder people are at an increased risk of colon cancer due to several factors. First, aging itself can increase the risk of genetic mutations that lead to the development of cancer.

Also immunological system it may become less effective with age, which may allow cancer cells to grow more easily.

It is a disease that develops slowly over many years before causing noticeable symptoms, so older people are recommended to be screened regularly for Colon Cancereven if they have no symptoms, to help detect the disease in its early stages, when it is most treatable.

Smoking increases the risk of colon and rectal cancer and other types of cancer. Smoking is also associated with a higher incidence of colorectal polyps, which are growths on the lining of the colon or rectum that can turn cancerous over time.

He alcohol consumption it is also associated with an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer. Research shows that drinking three or more alcoholic beverages a day significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

There lack of exercise is another risk factor. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of cancer by reducing colon transit time and reducing inflammation in the body.

Leading a healthy lifestyle that includes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and exercising regularly can help reduce disease.

It is recommended to take an examination after the age of 45, even without a family history, even if you have a high genetic predisposition, as recommended by the UNAM specialist.

Every March 31 is celebrated world colon cancer daya date that aims to raise awareness of the consequences of this disease and to promote preventive actions and rapid diagnosis.

In Mexico, the Colon Cancer It is the third most common cancer, according to data from the Ministry of Health. Almost 15,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in our country, and it is the main cause of death from malignant tumors in Mexico City, the State of Mexico and the entities in the north of the country.

Overall, the Colorectal cancer It is the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, according to the American Society for Clinical Oncology. In 2020, one million 880 thousand 725 cases were estimated worldwide, of which one million 148 thousand 515 were colon cancers and 732 thousand 210 corresponded to rectal cancers.

It is important for the population to have information about this type of cancer and about the preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of suffering from it, such as eating a healthy diet and practicing regular physical activity.