- Colon cancer in 2018 was the second leading cause of cancer death in the world, says Dr. Sandra Avendaño, a coloproctologist at the Medical Center.
- In Colombia, colon cancer is the third most frequent, between 2015 and 2018, 19,258 cases of colon and rectal cancer have been reported, of which 2,017 people died, in that period.
In the United States for 2016, 142,270 developed colon cancer and 52,286 died; the probability that a person in this country will develop color cancer throughout his life is 6%.
The colon and rectal cancer registry has shown a progressive increase in the number of cases since its inception, there was an 82% increase in the total number of reported cases compared to 2015, while new cases and deaths presented an increase of 57% and 40% respectively, says the specialist.
Only 5 to 10% of colon cancers develop in people with personal and family history colon cancer and/or polyps. In countries where prevention campaigns are carried out, deaths from colon cancer have decreased considerably.
Colon cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the final part of the digestive tract. Tumors appear when cells begin to divide and grow out of control. When tumor cells are located in the colon or rectum, it is referred to as colon cancer or colorectal. The colon or large intestine is the final part of the digestive tube, it measures approximately 1.5 meters. In the innermost part of the colon (mucosa) polyps or bulges may appear, these are initially benign, but in 5 to 10 years, they can become cancer in up to 30% of cases. Therefore, it is convenient through a colonoscopy to detect them as soon as possible and remove them, to avoid their potential risk of becoming cancer. This is the main way to prevent colon cancer. Dr. Sandra Avendaño, a coloproctologist at the Medical Center, assures that these polyps do not present symptoms and generally appear after the age of 50, for which reason it is recommended that this examination be carried out at the age of 50 and then every 10 years as a preventive measure.
The specialist affirms that the exact cause for the appearance of colon cancer is not known, but there are some risk factors considered to develop it:
Age: It is one of the most important factors for the development of colon cancer, since 90% of cases begin after the age of 45 and this risk increases as one ages. The incidence in people over 80 years of age is 7 times higher than at 50 years of age, although an increase has been seen in those under 40 years of age. With age, the risk of developing colon polyps increases.
Feeding Habits: colon cancer is associated with diets rich in animal fats (red meat) and low in fiber. The World Health Organization concludes that each 50-gram serving of processed meat consumed daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. It is also known that the increase in the daily consumption of foods rich in fiber such as fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of developing this type of cancer by up to 40%, says Dr. Sandra Avendaño, coloproctologist at the Medical Center.
Exercise: Leading a sedentary lifestyle and not doing any physical activity also increases the risk. But people who are physically active for at least 30 minutes a day more than 5 times a week can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 20%.
The obesity: They also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. The higher the body mass index, the higher the risk of colon cancer, ranging from 7%.
Tobacco and/or alcohol use: Both facilitate the development of polyps in the colon mucosa, which are the precursors of cancer. Tobacco increases the risk by 18% and alcohol up to 53% depending on the amount consumed daily.
When to go to the specialist?
When colon and rectal cancer appears in its initial stage, it usually does not present symptoms. In advanced stages it is perceived:
- Bright red bloody stools.
- Changes in bowel habit. (constipation or diarrhea) in people who previously had a normal bowel rhythm.
- Abdominal pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Stools in the form of a “ribbon”
- Anemia which can lead to extreme tiredness.
If you have any of these symptoms, ask your doctor for a colonoscopy.