Speaking of colorectal cancer, many people should be familiar with it. It is the third most common cancer in the world after lung cancer and breast cancer, and its mortality rate ranks fourth among all tumors.

Can colon cancer be prevented?

Can. The precursor of colorectal cancer is composed of small polyps, and it takes a long time of 8-10 years for polyps to turn into cancer, so we have enough time to prevent polyps from turning into cancer.

The regional distribution of colorectal cancer in my country has obvious regional characteristics. The incidence of colorectal cancer is high in the developed eastern regions and low in the central and western regions. The incidence of colorectal cancer is high among urban residents and low among rural residents. The reason why the incidence rate of colorectal cancer in my country has been increasing in recent years is closely related to China's rapid economic development in recent years. It is often said that "diseases come from the mouth", and colorectal cancer is a typical example.

How to prevent it?

1. Colorectal cancer screening

①Remove polyps

The precursor of colorectal cancer is polyps. Polyps are detected through early examination, and cancerous polyps are removed.

②Stool examination

Fecal occult blood can be used to check whether there is bleeding in the digestive tract. Some early-stage intestinal cancers contain blood and cannot be seen with the naked eye. Stool examination can detect whether there is bleeding in the digestive tract and the amount of bleeding, to determine whether further examination is needed.

③Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for detecting colorectal cancer. At present, endoscopic treatment of various diseases can be carried out under colonoscopy, including endoscopic intestinal polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection, and endoscopic submucosal dissection for early colorectal cancer, etc.

Recommended for people over 50 years old, those with first-degree relatives with a history of colorectal cancer, those with a history of cancer, a history of intestinal polyps, adverse gastrointestinal symptoms such as long-term diarrhea, chronic appendicitis, a history of appendectomy, and chronic gallbladder People with stones and chronic gallbladder stones should undergo colonoscopy.

2. Maintain good living habits

Eat more high-fiber foods and vegetables in your daily diet, reduce the consumption of pickled products and stale food or stale food, maintain a regular schedule, and quit smoking and drinking.

In addition, if a patient with enteritis discovers intestinal polyps, they must be treated promptly to prevent the polyps from growing and developing into intestinal cancer.

In general, the occurrence of colorectal cancer is closely related to unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is necessary to improve bad living habits and conduct regular physical examinations, especially for those with a family history of colorectal cancer, and need to pay close attention to their intestinal health.