“Cancer” Everyone is afraid of it happening to themselves. However, if considered with understanding, it will be known that many people only have fear but do not pay attention to taking care or preventing the causes of this serious disease.
To correctly understand information about colorectal cancer, one should first understand the basic functions of the intestinal system to clearly know the various details.
- The small intestine functions to break down food into smaller parts so the body can absorb and use it, such as breaking down proteins into amino acids, fats into glycerol, and rice into glucose sugar.
- The large intestine functions to absorb water and minerals back into the bloodstream. The undigested parts move to the rectum above the anus to wait for excretion from the body.
Colorectal Cancer
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include chronic abdominal pain, chronic bloating, bloody stools or black stools, abnormal weight loss, fatigue, palpable abdominal lumps, constipation, or alternating constipation and diarrhea, etc.
Colorectal cancer remains a cancer for which the exact cause is still unknown. However, there is information showing that colorectal cancer incidence is higher in the following groups:
- Those who prefer consuming meat, especially red meat, high-fat foods, and low-fiber diets
- Alcohol drinkers and smokers
- Those with chronic irritation or inflammation of the intestines
- People aged 50 years and older
- Those with family members who have colorectal cancer
For those at risk and wanting to undergo colorectal cancer screening, there are several methods depending on individual suitability, primarily based on the doctor’s discretion. These methods include:
- Blood screening tests
- Testing for blood mixed in stool
- Endoscopic examination of the digestive tract
- Diagnostic radiographic imaging
Care guidelines for those found with intestinal lumps
- The main approach is surgery. In the early stages, doctors will remove the lump through surgery.
- If the cancerous lump cannot be completely removed by surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy will be given together.
Even if colorectal cancer has spread, medical treatment can still relieve the patient’s suffering and prolong life. If facing colorectal cancer, what can be done by oneself is self-care by eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, including nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and having regular health check-ups.
Self-care techniques to prevent colorectal cancer
- Reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by avoiding high-fat foods
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
- Exercise regularly and avoid obesity
- Get screened at age 50
- Test for occult blood in stool every year
- Undergo colonoscopy every 3-5 years
