How to prevent colon cancer?

Colon cancer represents the second most frequent cause of cancer worldwide, only behind breast cancer in women and lung cancer in men, being the fourth most common type of cancer in the US.

Like all cancer, if it is not treated in time, it can be fatal. Fortunately, early detection and treatment, thanks to health and research programs in developed countries, have reduced its mortality rate.

Therefore, it is important that all men and women, from the third decade of life, know the symptoms, carry out the necessary periodic medical check-ups and what prevention methods can be applied.

Next, we will explain what you should know about colon cancer.

What is colon cancer?

Cancer can be defined as a disordered and irregular growth of body cells, in which they lose the ability to function properly, so they cannot die, and continue to divide, forming neoplasms or tumors.

Colon cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon and/or rectum, in which malignant tumors can appear in the muscular and serous mucosa layers of the large intestine, specifically from the ileocecal valve to the rectum.

Adenocarcinoma is the most frequent colorectal cancer, up to 90% , with lymphomas, sarcomas and melanomas being infrequent. Colon cancer generally affects people over the age of 50, both men and women equally.

Causes of colon cancer

A good number of pathologies are multifactorial; cancer is no exception. It is the result of multiple factors, both genetic and environmental, that trigger the disease. Next, we will show you some.

Chronic inflammatory diseases

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease raise a person’s risk of colon cancer, although one more than the other. The main determinant that increases the risk of developing cancer is the duration of the disease.

The nature of both diseases consists of an inflammatory process of the digestive mucosa, probably of autoimmune origin. Inflammation and the constant turnover of new cells leads to dysplasia (abnormal cells in normal tissue).

Dysplasia, together with metaplasia, represent cellular changes that can progress to more defined neoplasms if the underlying cause is not treated.

hereditary syndromes

They are syndromes associated with a high, lifetime risk of developing colorectal adenocarcinoma. Most present hereditary patterns (whether dominant or recessive), a finding that was achieved thanks to scientific advances.

Among these, we have: familial adenomatous polyposis, the attenuated variant, Lynch syndrome, polyposis associated with the MUTYH gene, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and juvenile polyposis syndrome.

To date, the most studied and understood is familial adenomatous polyposis, a disease that affects 1 in 7,000 to 22,000 people. For these people, the risk of developing colon cancer, from the age of 40, is almost 100%.

In addition, it is not only associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, but also other parts of the body, such as bone, stomach, epidermoid cysts, malignant tumors of the thyroid, brain, and liver.

family genetics

The presence of a family history has been a factor that scientists have not ignored. Like many others, certain genes capable of increasing the risk of colorectal cancer appear to be inherited.

Over the years, studies have been published, showing that there is a high risk of colorectal cancer in patients who have a first degree relative (PPG) with said cancer.

Finally, a meta-analysis was published, where they pored over 24 studies that claimed there was a familial link to colorectal cancer.

Of the 24, only one could not find a statistically significant relationship between a history of colorectal cancer and the risk of developing it. This shows that the risk increases if we have a strong family history.

The relative risk depends on the number of affected relatives and the age at which the disease was diagnosed. For those with an affected PPG, the risk was 2.23%. If it is more than one, the risk rises to 4.3%.

For patients whose relatives were diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 45, the risk was 3.9%, compared with those whose relatives were diagnosed after age 45 (2.25%) or 60 (1.82%).

Advanced age

Age is a risk factor for many tumors, and colon cancer is no exception. The average age at which the disease is diagnosed is 68 years.

However, statistically, there has been a decrease in the number of patients whose age is equal to or greater than 55 years. On the other hand, the incidence of colon cancer in patients between the ages of 20 and 39 has increased since the 1980s.

This trend continues in recent years. Information published by the World Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) shows that the incidence in people between 50 and 75 years of age continues to decline.

Diabetes

A number of epidemiological studies have found a series of positive associations between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the incidence of colon cancer, which is higher in men than in women.

Why is a matter of debate. The following is hypothesized: Insulin is a growth factor for colon cells and has been shown, in vitro, to stimulate tumor cell growth.

In type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is a marked increase in circulating insulin. Indirectly, insulin stimulates the release of transforming growth factor beta.

This molecule could stimulate the division and exponential growth of tumor cells, in addition to inhibiting their cell death.

Obesity

Our actions affect our body, in thousands of ways. Obesity has become an epidemic in certain countries, with it, other concomitant pathologies have emerged.

Body mass index (BMI) and cancer seem to have a relationship. Studies that have sampled the colon from participants with a high BMI found chronic adenomatous histological lesions in early stages.

These findings are more common in men than in women. However, it is not so certain if a high BMI can influence late stages.

inadequate diet

There is no objectively perfect diet, but there are diets that are more harmful to the body than others. Certain foods, due to their properties and ingredients, are not too favorable.

An example is red meat. It has pro-inflammatory properties, associated with colon cancer. In general, it appears that a diet high in animal fat and red meat, with a low fiber intake, seems to increase this risk.

It has been proposed that certain nutritional deficits could play a role, such as calcium and folate deficiency. But, these claims need to be validated with robust studies.

Alcohol and cigarette consumption

The cigarette is a highly harmful product for our body. It is not surprising that, over the years, links continue to be established between it and cancer.

It contains an endless number of pre-cancer and pro-inflammatory substances, capable of increasing the risk in people with a genetic predisposition.

The tobacco risk for colon cancer is modest, but still significantly high. However, the risk for rectal cancer in smokers is higher than for colon cancer.

Sedentary life

Sedentary lifestyle becomes more and more common in daily life, with the modernization of jobs and changes in the person’s lifestyle, which lead them to stay static in one place for longer.

When a sedentary lifestyle is mixed with other harmful habits (for example, an inadequate diet), our digestive system and other organs suffer a lot.

Hypercholesterolemia, hyperinsulinemia, obesity, hypertension, metabolic disorders (diabetes) and much more arise. This, in turn, could increase the risk of secondary pathologies, such as cancer.

Colon Cancer Symptoms

In their early stages, cancers do not produce symptoms that can alarm a person. But, as they grow and take root in the body, symptoms appear, but they are very non-specific.

We bring you a list of possible symptoms to watch out for, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer.

Digestive system disorders

It is not surprising that colon cancer can modify, to a variable degree, what happens at the gastrointestinal level. The digestive process and absorption of nutrients, intestinal transit and defecation can be altered.

However, it is important to note that the symptoms are non-specific and may also be the result of other diseases (such as ulcerative colitis), so it is advisable to see a medical professional before jumping to any conclusions.

rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding is a reasonably worrisome cause for the person, which can be caused by polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases, and colon or rectal cancer.

When blood is present on the toilet paper, interspersed with or separated from the stool, or on your underwear, the chances of rectal bleeding can be high.

There are certain characteristics, both of the stool and of the blood, that can guide your doctor to a possible diagnosis. If the blood is reddish and shiny, the cause of the blood probably occurred at the level of the rectum.

On the other hand, if the blood is of a darker shade, it originates at the level of the colon or small intestine. Melaena (dark bloody stools with a tar-like consistency and appearance) indicates that the bleeding originated at the stomach level.

There are concomitant symptoms that can appear if you have rectal bleeding, such as a feeling of dizziness, mental confusion, weakness, and pain or discomfort when defecating.

abdominal pain

Pain or cramps are a very common manifestation of a gastrointestinal tract problem, which can be caused by a large number of diseases.

The pains may be accompanied by a softness of the abdomen on palpation, a palpable abdominal mass, and other symptoms, such as an overgrowth of the liver (hepatomegaly) or ascites (distension of the abdomen due to the presence of fluid).

Mild to moderate pain is usually treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin.

Weightloss

Progressive, unexplained, and unwanted weight loss can be a symptom that can alert your doctor to a potentially serious condition.

In fact, weight loss is, in up to 40% of cases, the first sign that patients notice, before going to the doctor.

It is recommended to go to the doctor if you have lost a significant amount of weight (for example, 4 to 5 kilos) in an inexplicable way.

It is frequent that, in late stages, the patient develops cachexia. This is a syndrome characterized by significant weight loss, the result of a negative balance of the patient’s energy and protein, resulting in loss of lean mass (muscle) and body fat.

It is important to distinguish between the two. Weight loss, while alarming, can be caused by medications or other metabolic problems. Cachexia, although it includes weight loss, also has other more serious signs and symptoms.

Tiredness and weakness

The lack of energy or motivation (asthenia) can derive directly from the poor absorption of food, a product of cancer, or the accelerated metabolism of these cancer cells.

Remember that these cells consume oxygen and nutrients. The body redirects metabolic fuel to tumor cells as it senses their need for nutrients.

In addition, in the most serious stages, there is widespread inflammation, the result of cancer. What happens when our body is under such conditions? raises your metabolism. Which translates to carbs , fats, and proteins being digested at incredible speeds.

bowel not emptied

The feeling of bowel not being emptied when evacuating, also called tenesmus, is another symptom of colon cancer, in which there is a constant need to defecate, with pain in the abdominal area.

No matter how many times the person goes to the bathroom, the feeling of incomplete evacuation will still be present.

How to prevent colon cancer?

There are several ways to prevent colon cancer, based on changing eating habits and lifestyle, for example, physical activity. All this accompanied by a medical check-up at least annually.

Maintain a healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is the fundamental basis for keeping our body healthy, although many diseases are not linked to food, but those that compromise the gastrointestinal system are.

The incorporation of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, and our daily diet, will represent a lower risk of colon cancer, according to the recommendations published by the American Cancer Society .

On the other hand, there seems to be a relationship with a diet high in processed meats, such as sausages or sausages, and the risk of developing colon cancer, showing that everything in excess is harmful to our body.

Perform constant physical activity

Performing physical activity frequently helps the digestive system to increase its metabolism and facilitates digestion, it also favors motility, regulating evacuation, thus avoiding constipation.

On the other hand, exercise is a good anti-inflammatory ally, which strengthens the capacity of your immune system, which is responsible for detecting and eliminating precancerous cells or any other cellular defect.

Avoid cigarette smoking

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke or tobacco derivatives, as it has been shown that these can increase the risks of developing colorectal carcinoma.

If you are addicted to tobacco use, we recommend looking for therapeutic and alternative options that help you reduce your consumption and adopt healthier lifestyle habits.

Moderate alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption should be moderated, since frequent and excessive intake of it, regardless of the type or brand of liquor, is an important risk factor for the development of colon cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends not drinking alcohol at all. However, if the person still wishes to do so, it is recommended to limit their consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink for women.

Maintain a proper weight

Overweight and underweight are both sides of the same coin: alterations in the body mass index, towards one extreme or the other. The first, for example, increases the risk of cardiovascular and/or metabolic diseases.

Negative modifications of both axes have repercussions on virtually every aspect of the organism, including carcinogenesis. We had previously discussed studies showing a positive correlation between BMI and colon cancer.

On the other hand, being below your ideal weight is not favorable either. Your metabolism is reduced, your defenses are diminished, there is a lower intake of protein and other metabolic fuels and loss of lean mass.

One of the first detectable actions that cancer can cause the human body is progressive weight loss. Unfortunately, non-surgical cancer treatments also induce weight loss.

Therefore, we recommend going to a nutritionist, an expert capable of guiding you to build a healthy diet and implement changes in your lifestyle that help keep your weight in your ideal range.

Finally, it is important to mention that the ideal weight is a very ambiguous and broad term. This depends on your body characteristics, such as height, build, age and sex.

We always recommend going to a doctor or health professional, before making any decision that involves your health or nutrition.

Get regular medical checkups

The American Cancer Society indicates that all men and women, after the age of 45, should undergo screening tests during their medical checkups. There are several types of test, it does not matter which one you choose, the important thing is the check.

Among the tests, we have those that analyze the individual’s feces and those visualization tests, such as colonoscopy, colonography with computed tomography and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

These tests should be performed up to 75 years of age. From there, the decision to undergo these tests or not will depend on your life expectancy, state of health, and your previous medical history.

On the other hand, people with a high risk (family or personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer), it is recommended to start screening for colon cancer before the age of 45 and more frequently.

colon cancer treatment

A person diagnosed with cancer must be advised by the medical team that cares for them, they must be able to explain the different therapeutic options, their respective advantages and disadvantages, and provide all the emotional support that the person needs.

Next, we will mention some of the most common treatments.

Surgery

Surgery represents the standard method used to treat colon cancer. The type of surgery depends on the location of the cancer in the colon, the stage of the cancer, and the purpose of the surgery.

In the earliest stages, a colonoscopy is used to perform a polypectomy (removal of polyps) or a local excision of the cancerous tissue.

In the most serious stages, colectomy is used, which can be partial or complete. In the partial, up to three quarters of the colon can be removed, depending on the severity and extent of the cancer.

In the total, which is not usually used, it is used when there are other concomitant conditions to cancer. For example, the presence of multiple polyps throughout the colon, as occurs in familial adenomatous polyposis.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy consists of the administration of anti-cancer drugs, either by intravenous injection or oral intake, which travel through the bloodstream and reach most of the body.

Chemotherapy can be given to the patient at different stages of treatment. Adjuvant chemotherapy is administered after surgery, to eliminate those cells that were not removed because they are very small.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before therapy to kill as many cancer cells as possible and to make it easier to remove the tumor.

Colon cancer chemotherapy is generally administered intravenously, either as an injection over a few minutes, or as an infusion over a longer period of time.

On the other hand, the effects of chemotherapy are severe. These include: hair loss, loss of appetite and weight, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, skin changes, and many more.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy consists of projecting high-energy rays (such as X-rays) or particles, capable of destroying the greatest number of cancer cells possible.

Radiotherapy treatment, by itself, to eliminate colon cancer, is not generally used, but is a tool that contributes to the action of other treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy can be used before or after surgery. In the first case, to reduce the size of the cancer and make it easier to remove. In the second, to eliminate any cell that is located in an area that is difficult to remove.