March is the “national month of awareness about colorectal cancer,” a key time to help make this disease visible and inspire more people to become a detection test from 45 years.
In this regard, the centers for the control and prevention of diseases in the United States (CDC) offer the community updated information on symptoms, risk factors, detections and colon cancer prevention.
Cancer is a disease in which body cells grow out of control. When cancer originates in the colon or rectum, colorectal cancer is called. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, to abbreviate. The colon is the large intestine. The rectum is the duct that connects the colon with the anus.
Sometimes, abnormal growths are formed, called polyps, in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps can become cancer. Detection tests can detect polyps to remove them before they become cancer. These tests also help detect colorectal cancer at an early stage, when the treatment is more effective.
If you have 45 years or more, check with your doctor about detection tests. If you think you can have a higher risk of colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about when to start detection tests, what proof is adequate for you and how often.
The symptoms
Colorectal cancer can cause several symptoms. Pain, discomfort or abdominal cramps can be symptoms of this type of evil.
Colorectal polyps (abnormal growth in the colon or rectum that can become cancer if they do not remove) and colorectal cancer do not always cause symptoms, especially at the beginning. I could have colorectal polyps or cancer without knowing it. That is why it is so important to regularly detect.
If you have symptoms, these may include:
– Changes in intestinal habits.
– Blood in the stool.
– Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the intestine is not completely emptied.
– Pain, discomfort or persistent abdominal colic.
– Weight loss and you don’t know why.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor. They could be due to more than cancer. The only way to know what is causing them is to consult with your doctor.
Detection tests
There are several tests, some of which can be done at home. Most people should start the detection tests of colorectal cancer shortly after turning 45 years.
A detection test is used to detect a disease when a person has no symptoms. (When a person has symptoms, diagnostic tests are used to determine the cause of symptoms).
The United States Preventive Services Working Group (US Preventive Services Task Force) recommends that adults from 45 to 75 years carry out colored cancer detection tests. The decision to perform tests between 76 and 85 years must be taken individually.
Most people should start the detection tests of colorectal cancer shortly after turning 45 and then continuing to regularly. However, it is possible that the tests must be done before, or more frequently than other people, if it presents:
– Intestinal inflammatory disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
– Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
– A genetic syndrome, such as family adenomatous polyposis (PAF) or hereditary colorectal cancer without polyposis (lynch syndrome).
There are several detection tests to detect polyps or colorectal cancer. The working group describes strategies for the detection of colorectal cancer. It is important to know that if the result of your test is positive or abnormal in some detection tests (feces analysis, flexible sigmoidoscopy and computed tomography colonography), a colonoscopy is required to complete the process.
Colonoscopy is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except that the doctor uses a longer, thin, flexible and illuminated tube to detect polyps or cancer in the rectum and throughout the colon. During the test, the doctor can detect and remove most of the polyps and some types of cancer.
Colonoscopy is also used as a tracking test if something unusual is detected during one of the other detection tests. The frequency recommendation of this test is every 10 years (for people without greater risk of colorectal cancer).
Colorectal cancer detection tests could be covered by their medical insurance without deductible or copayment. For more information about Medicare’s coverage, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1 (877) 486-2048. Consult with your medical insurance plan to know what benefits the detection of colorectal cancer covers.
Risk factors
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. Lifestyle and genetic syndromes can also increase your risk. Other risk factors include:
– Intestinal inflammatory disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
– Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
– A genetic syndrome, such as family adenomatous polyposis (PAF) or hereditary colorectal cancer without polyposis (lynch syndrome).
Lifestyle factors that can contribute to a higher risk of colorectal cancer include:
– Lack of regular physical activity.
– A low diet in fruits and vegetables.
– Low fiber and high fat diet, or high in processed meats.
– Overweight and obesity.
– Alcohol consumption.
– Tobacco consumption.
Prevention
The most effective way to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer is to regularly detect, starting at 45.
Almost all colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps (abnormal growth) in the colon or rectum. These polyps may be present in the colon for years before invasive cancer develops.
They may not have symptoms, especially in the early stages. Colorectal cancer detection tests can detect precancerous polyps so that they can be removed before they become cancer. In this way, colorectal cancer is prevented.
Detection tests can also detect colorectal cancer in its initial stages, when treatment is more effective.
Some studies suggest that people can reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer through:
– Increase physical activity.
– Maintain a healthy weight.
– Wear a low diet in animal fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
– Limit alcohol consumption.
– Avoid tobacco.
