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Each year, “colorectal cancer” claims the lives of more than 3,000 Thais, and the number of deaths from colorectal cancer is expected to increase by 2.4 times in the near future, especially among urban dwellers who live a fast-paced life, eat fast food, focus on red meat, processed foods, grilled foods, and consume fewer vegetables and fruits. All of these are risk factors that can lead to colorectal cancer. 
As the health care trend is gaining momentum, modern people are paying more attention to cancer, including diet, exercise, and regular health check-ups to prevent and monitor the disease, which is a positive development. 
Moreover, colorectal cancer can now be prevented by gastrointestinal endoscopy to examine the digestive tract and intestines, similar to an annual health check-up, which is quick, convenient, and safe.
<h2>Eating grilled and processed foods increases the risk of colorectal cancer 
</h2>
Many people already know that eating too much grilled or processed food increases the risk of cancer because when meat is grilled until charred or blackened, carcinogenic substances form on the food. Frequent consumption causes these substances to accumulate in the body and can lead to cancer, especially colorectal cancer, which has many combined risk factors as follows:
<ul>
<li>Eating too much fatty and red meat</li>
<li>Consuming large amounts of processed meats such as sausages, bacon, and ham</li>
<li>Not eating enough vegetables and fruits or eating too little</li>
<li>Not exercising</li>
<li>Being obese or overweight</li>
<li>Heavy and prolonged smoking</li>
<li>Regular alcohol consumption</li>
</ul>
Besides diet, risk factors for colorectal cancer also come from genetics, such as having family members with colorectal cancer or other hereditary cancers. Therefore, the more risk factors present, the more important it is to undergo screening for prevention.
<h2>Stages of colorectal cancer</h2>
Colorectal cancer is divided into 5 stages as follows:
<ul>
<li>Stage 0 Cancer cells are only polyps, detectable by colonoscopy, and can be removed immediately during the procedure. This stage is before or nearly colorectal cancer, with a 100% chance of cure.</li>
<li>Stage 1 Cancer cells grow and remain within the intestinal wall, beginning to invade the layers of the colon and rectum but have not spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Treatment involves surgery or curative resection, which removes the affected part of the colon and reconnects the healthy parts. This technique is also used for rectal cancer surgery.</li>
<li>Stage 2 Cancer spreads beyond the colon wall to nearby areas but has not reached the lymph nodes. Curative resection surgery remains the primary treatment, similar to stage 1.</li>
<li>Stage 3 Cancer spreads to lymph nodes but not to other organs. Treatment includes curative resection surgery combined with postoperative chemotherapy.</li>
<li>Stage 4 Cancer spreads to other organs such as the liver and lungs. If tumors in the liver or lungs can be removed, doctors will perform surgery to remove the colorectal cancer and the metastatic tumors, followed by chemotherapy.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Warning signs of colorectal cancer 
</h2>
In the early stages, colorectal cancer patients often show few symptoms. Initial symptoms resemble other diseases, such as weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, abnormal bowel movements, rectal bleeding, or changes in stool characteristics, including blood in the stool, dark color, or foul odor. If abdominal pain occurs, the pain pattern depends on the tumor and its location, such as pain in the right rib area or severe cramping.
<h2>Early detection leads to successful colorectal cancer treatment 
</h2>
Initially, colorectal cancer can be diagnosed by various methods such as colonoscopy, CT scan, or stool tests. The most popular method is colonoscopy because it is highly effective and accurate, making it the preferred choice worldwide. 
Colonoscopy is also convenient for patients as it does not need to be done frequently if no abnormalities are found; it can be repeated every 5-10 years. If polyps are found, tissue samples can be taken immediately.
<h2>Colorectal cancer can be treated with endoscopic surgery 
</h2>
With advanced technology, laparoscopic colectomy reduces postoperative risks, blood loss, and the size of surgical wounds, which are only 0.5-1 cm. 
Currently, laparoscopic surgery has become the standard for various organ surgeries and is an alternative to open abdominal surgery. Patients undergoing this method have smaller incisions, less blood loss, less pain, and shorter recovery times, resulting in better postoperative quality of life. 
It is well known that surgeons performing this method must have good open abdominal surgery skills combined with advanced skills in using cameras and surgical instruments to perform safe surgeries. 
For laparoscopic surgery, proper preparation is essential because the cleanliness of the intestines affects the procedure. If the intestines are not clean, the doctor may not see clearly or miss tumors inside the intestines. Before surgery, patients must fast from food and drink for at least 6 hours to prevent aspiration during anesthesia. The last meal before surgery should be soft, easily digestible, and not excessive.
<h2>How to care for yourself after colorectal cancer surgery? 
</h2>
After surgery, patients should rest for at least 2-3 days and try light movements such as sitting up or walking to help speed recovery and reduce complications. In laparoscopic surgery, the wound is closed with waterproof plaster, allowing patients to shower immediately. 
Patients should monitor their stool for blood. Those who received intravenous anesthesia should not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours. If symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, abdominal rigidity, or high fever occur, they should see a doctor immediately.
Additionally, patients should avoid alcohol for at least 24-48 hours after surgery. During the first week, if there is wound pain, painkillers can be taken to relieve it. Avoid heavy lifting or straining abdominal muscles for 6 weeks. Take medications on time and complete the prescribed course.
Colorectal cancer, if detected early, has a very high chance of cure. Therefore, if you notice any abnormalities or suspicious symptoms, you should see a doctor promptly for a thorough check-up to receive timely treatment.

Colorectal cancer screening can be detected through colonoscopy, and small polyps can be removed immediately during the procedure. This reduces the risk of cancer development, or if cancer is found at an early stage, it can be completely treated.

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