Colon cancer: symptoms, prevention, and the importance of colonoscopy in diagnosis
Every March, the world observes Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a health event aimed at raising public awareness about one of the most common and preventable cancers. This global focus stems from a significant increase in incidence rates, prompting health organizations, most notably the Saudi Ministry of Health, to intensify their awareness campaigns to emphasize the importance of early detection and correct misconceptions surrounding the disease.
Alarming global and local statistics
Recent data from the Ministry of Health reveals that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all registered cancer cases. Even more alarming, it ranks second among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. The Ministry explained that the age group most susceptible to this disease is those over 50, but recent studies have begun to detect a worrying increase in cases among younger age groups, necessitating concerted efforts to activate early detection programs.
Medical evidence indicates that this type of cancer often begins as benign polyps in the inner wall of the colon and may take years to develop into malignant tumors. This underscores the critical importance of regular checkups, as these polyps can be removed before they become malignant, offering complete prevention rather than just treatment.
Risk factors and lifestyle
The ministry explained that modern lifestyles play a pivotal role in increasing the likelihood of infection. Key risk factors include:
- Excessive consumption of processed meats and red meats.
- A diet low in fiber (low intake of fruits and vegetables).
- Physical inactivity and obesity.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption.
The ministry stressed that late diagnosis greatly limits the available treatment options, while early detection raises recovery rates to very high levels.
Endoscopy: The final word in diagnosis
Speaking to Al-Youm newspaper, specialists emphasized that fear of examination is the biggest obstacle to survival. Dr. Khalifa Al-Mulhem, a consultant in colorectal surgery at King Fahd University Hospital in Al-Khobar, explained that endoscopy is the "decisive factor" and the key to diagnosing the condition. He said, "Early detection helps identify tumors in their initial stages, or even in the pre-tumor stage, which ensures a full recovery, God willing. However, in advanced stages (stage four), treatment becomes more complex, and the chances of a complete recovery are lower.".
Al-Mulhem added that colon tumors are characterized by being "silent" in their early stages, as no clear symptoms appear. Therefore, routine examination is recommended as soon as the target age (45-50 years) is reached, even without a complaint.
Warning signs that should not be ignored
For her part, Dr. Ghadeer Jamjoom, a consultant in oncology and liver and pancreas surgery at King Abdulaziz University, emphasized that there are signs that necessitate an immediate visit to the doctor and should not be dismissed as mere passing digestive disturbances. These symptoms include:
- Unexplained and persistent changes in bowel habits (persistent constipation or diarrhea).
- The presence of blood in the stool (whether it is bright red or dark).
- Persistent abdominal pain and cramps.
- Significant weight loss without a clear reason.
- Feeling tired and generally weak.
Dr. Jamjoom pointed to the great development in diagnostic methods, starting from immunological stool analysis to detect occult blood, up to high-resolution colonoscopies, in addition to the development of immunotherapies and targeted therapies that have improved the quality of life of patients and their survival rates.
Prevention is better than cure
Doctors agree that lifestyle modifications provide natural "immunity" against this disease. Experts recommend adopting a fiber-rich diet, exercising regularly for at least 150 minutes per week, and maintaining a healthy weight to ensure a healthy future free from chronic diseases and tumors.
