Today, an average of 15 Thais die from colon cancer per day, or more than 5,476 people per year, and there are 15,000 new patients per year. This figure shows the danger of “colon cancer,” a serious disease that is often found. When the symptoms are severe. Because often, before the patient realizes it, the tumor in the intestine is so large ยูฟ่าเบท that it causes problems with the digestive system, which can be as severe as bloody stools.

Today, Dr. Sawinee Chiriyasin, a gastroenterologist at the Gastrointestinal and Liver Center, Vimut Hospital, will talk about colon cancer. Recommend lifestyle changes to prevent the disease easily, and remind the importance of screening to find signs of the disease before the tumor is found too late.

Examining risk factors for colon cancer

Colon Cancer is caused by abnormal growth of cells in the intestines, causing small polyps to grow until the intestines narrow, resulting in abnormal bowel movements. There are many risk factors that cause the disease, such as genetics, because if someone in the family, especially the father or mother, has a history of colon cancer, we will be at risk as well. 

The second factor is age. Of course, as we get older, the risk increases. The third factor is food and lifestyle, such as eating processed foods often, not eating foods with fiber, not exercising or moving the body less, which increases the risk of constipation. Including behaviors such as drinking alcohol and smoking, which also increase the risk of colon cancer. The last factor is that people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) are also at high risk of colon cancer.

Blood in the stool is a sign of colon cancer

Colon cancer causes abnormal bowel movements. Therefore, the most noticeable symptoms include alternating constipation and diarrhea, stools that are smaller or pellet-like, and bloody stools due to the tumor causing ulcers and bleeding. In addition, there is also a loss of appetite and weight loss, similar to symptoms of other cancers . Dr. Sawinee Chiriyasin continued, “ What is worrisome is that colon cancer in the early stages does not show any symptoms at all. By the time we know, we usually have severe symptoms because the tumor in the intestine has already grown very large. The key to prevention is to come for screening before symptoms appear, especially in those aged 45 and above.”

Colonoscopy is the most accurate cancer screening tool

Currently, there are several methods to screen for colon cancer, including Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and CT Colonography. However, all methods may not be sensitive and specific enough to detect small polyps in the colon. Or if the CT Colonography finds polyps, a colonoscopy is still required to remove them. Therefore, the most effective screening test today is a colonoscopy because it can detect small polyps. And if polyps are found, they can be remove immediately. Dr. Sawinee Chiriyasin added,

“When most people hear about colonoscopy, they worry that it will be painful and dangerous. But in fact, colonoscopy is very safe. It does not take long, has low risk and is very accurate. Preparing for colonoscopy is not difficult. Just avoid foods high in fiber such as vegetables fruits, and grains take laxatives. And drink plenty of water to cleanse the colon. During the examination, anesthesia is give to prevent pain and to prevent unconsciousness during the examination.

After the examination, you may feel tightness in the stomach because air is blown in during the examination. The symptoms will disappear within 24 hours. The examination takes about 30 minutes. During the examination. If polyps are found during the examination. The doctor can cut them out and diagnose them immediately. Today’s medical equipment is very advance.