Mr. Zhang, a 55-year-old accountant, has been praised for his precise calculations for many years. However, there was one symptom that he failed to notice in time, and that was intermittent abdominal discomfort. At first, he thought it was just because of work stress or the occasional bad diet. But over time, the pain worsens and is accompanied by changes in bowel habits. At the insistence of his family, Mr. Zhang reluctantly went to the hospital for a comprehensive physical examination. The results of the examination were unexpected: early colorectal cancer.
The discovery shocked both Mr. Zhang and his family. They can't understand how a seemingly healthy middle-aged man could suddenly suffer from such a condition, and this story is not an isolated story, but a reality that many families may face. Bowel cancer is often referred to as the "silent killer" because there are often no obvious symptoms in the early stages, or the symptoms are very common and easy to ignore.
Overview of Bowel Cancer: Hidden Threats and Preventative Measures
Bowel cancer, especially colorectal cancer, is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, there are about 1.9 million new cases and 900,000 deaths each year, and the incidence and mortality of bowel cancer are still rising. This cancer mainly affects the colon and rectum, the terminal part of our digestive system.
Early detection is the key to improving the success rate of treatment. Many cases have shown that the survival rate of patients with bowel cancer diagnosed early is significantly higher than that of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, it becomes especially important to understand the risk factors and early symptoms of bowel cancer.
Risk factors include:
Age: While bowel cancer can occur at any age, most patients are over the age of 50.
Genetic factors: Individuals with a family history of bowel cancer are at higher risk.
Lifestyle factors: including high-fat diet, lack of fiber intake, obesity, lack of exercise, etc.
Other conditions: such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and individuals with a prior history of colorectal polyps.
Prevention Strategies:
Dietary modifications: Increase your intake of vegetables and whole grains and reduce your consumption of red and processed meats.
Regular medical check-ups: Colonoscopy or other bowel cancer screening, such as fecal occult blood test, is recommended for people over the age of 50 to detect bowel cancer at an early stage.
Early "precursors" of bowel cancer: signals that should not be ignored
Bowel cancer, especially colorectal cancer, is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Many patients tend to have no significant symptoms in the early stages, but certain early warning signs can greatly improve the success rate of treatment if they are recognized and responded to in a timely manner. Here are a few "precursors" that may appear in the early stages of bowel cancer:
Irregular bowel habits
In the early stages of bowel cancer, patients may experience significant changes in bowel habits. This includes, but is not limited to, irregular alternations of constipation and diarrhea, which is usually caused by a tumor blocking part of the intestine. If this condition persists for more than a few weeks, you should seek medical attention immediately for an in-depth examination.
Abnormal bowel movements
Another warning sign of bowel cancer is blood in the stool, which may indicate a malignant tumor in the intestine. Bloody stools may appear bright red or dark black, depending on where the bleeding site is located in the intestines. Also, if the poop suddenly becomes abnormally narrow, it may also be because the tumor is blocking the intestines.
Chronic abdominal pain and malaise
People with bowel cancer often experience persistent abdominal discomfort, such as a dull or dull ache. This pain may not be related to diet and may be accompanied by flatulence or indigestion. If these symptoms occur at the same time as any of the symptoms mentioned above, a gut health check-up is recommended.
Risk factors and precautions: key to risk reduction
Understanding and identifying factors that increase the risk of bowel cancer is the first step to prevention. Some key risk factors include:
Age and genetic factors
The incidence of bowel cancer increases with age and is more common in people over the age of 50. Family history also plays an important role, and if someone in the family has had bowel cancer, the risk for other family members increases.
Eating habits
A high-fat, low-fiber diet is considered a risk factor for bowel cancer. Excessive intake of red meat (e.g., beef, lamb) and processed meat (e.g., sausage, bacon) can increase the risk.
lifestyle
Physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are all associated with an increased risk of bowel cancer. Moderate physical activity not only reduces bowel cancer risk, but also improves overall health.
For these risk factors, here are some specific precautions:
Regular medical check-ups
For people who are 50 years old or have a family history of bowel cancer, regular colonoscopy is an effective means of detecting early bowel cancer. In addition, a fecal occult blood test is a useful screening tool and should be done at least once a year.
Adjust your diet and lifestyle
Increasing your intake of dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, can help reduce bowel cancer risk. At the same time, reducing the intake of red and processed meats, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, maintaining a moderate weight and engaging in regular physical activity are all important preventive measures.
With these practical strategies, the risk of bowel cancer can be significantly reduced. Being aware of the early "precursors" of bowel cancer and taking appropriate precautions is key to protecting yourself and your family from this serious disease.