When it comes to cancer, it is natural for everyone to be afraid, and various types of cancer come to mind. But did you know that the most frightening and increasingly dangerous cancer is not breast cancer or brain cancer, but “colorectal cancer,” which anyone can develop? Some cancers target specific genders, but colorectal cancer ranks third in male mortality and fifth in female mortality. Moreover, Thailand ranks fifth in the world for colorectal cancer cases, and it is predicted to double within 10 years if there is no adequate prevention and education about this disease. Therefore, getting to know colorectal cancer is something we all should do to protect ourselves from this deadly disease as much as possible.
Getting to Know Colorectal Cancer: A Deadly Threat That Claims Many Thai Lives Every Year
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer similar to cancers in other organs of the human body. It arises from abnormal changes in the colon, where cells multiply uncontrollably, leading to tumor formation. It takes many years for these tumors to develop into malignant cancer. This cancer can eventually spread to other parts of the body. It may take up to 10 years for a single cell to become cancerous, so early detection of tumors allows for surgical treatment. However, most people neglect health check-ups, so by the time they realize, the tumor has already become malignant cancer.
What Risk Factors Increase Our Danger of Colorectal Cancer?
Theoretically, it is still unclear what direct factors or causes make cells malfunction in cancer. However, studies have found several related factors, both physical and behavioral, as detailed below:
- People with a history of tumors have a higher chance of developing colorectal cancer than those without such a history.
- Over 90% of colorectal cancer patients are adults over 50 years old, but young people can also develop it.
- If a family member has had colorectal cancer, your risk of developing it also increases.
- Regular consumption of red meat or processed meat.
- People who are obese or overweight have a higher risk.
- Regular smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Lack of exercise and not maintaining physical health.
The main suspected cause leading to colorectal cancer is the consumption of red meat, especially for those who enjoy grilled foods, buffets, sausages, bacon, meatballs, fermented pork, etc. These meats or processed foods contain nitrates and nitrites to enhance the red color. Excessive consumption can cause abnormalities in various cells in the body.
Watch for Symptoms: If You Experience These, Colorectal Cancer Might Be Threatening You
Often, symptoms of colorectal cancer can resemble other diseases or may not be very noticeable, causing us to overlook them until a benign tumor turns into malignant cancer that is difficult to treat. Therefore, we should be suspicious and carefully observe symptoms. If you experience any of the following signs, do not assume what the disease is but consult a doctor immediately.
- Frequent alternating diarrhea and constipation.
- Abdominal discomfort, bloating, frequent stomach pain.
- Stool with mucus and blood.
- Loss of appetite, fatigue, eating less.
- Unexplained weight loss despite normal eating habits without dieting or reducing intake.
- Feeling a lump in the abdomen that is painful when pressed.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment: Safe Minimally Invasive Surgery to Return to Normal Life
Surgical treatment is effective and prevents recurrence better than medication or radiation combined with chemotherapy alone. However, since colorectal cancer mostly affects older adults, patients often worry about surgery risks and side effects. Nowadays, colorectal cancer surgery can be performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, different from traditional open abdominal surgery. This involves making small incisions no larger than half a centimeter to insert a camera into the abdominal cavity to locate and remove the cancerous part of the colon using small instruments. This laparoscopic surgery allows patients to recover faster, reduces the risk of complications, and helps them return to normal life much sooner.
Good to Know: How to Better Protect Yourself from This Deadly Disease
More than 3,000 deaths per year in Thailand are due to colorectal and rectal cancer, and the number is steadily increasing. The only way to reduce risk is to change your behavior by eating healthy foods, avoiding red and processed meats, and exercising regularly. Annual health check-ups also help significantly, especially specialized screenings like colonoscopy, which can detect tumors early. Early removal of tumors before they develop into colorectal cancer greatly increases safety and survival chances.
