Today, I would like to share with you a case.
This is a middle-aged man named Mr. Li.
However, one day, he began to feel abdominal pain and his bowel habits changed.
At first, he didn't care, thinking that it was just a temporary discomfort that might go away on its own.
However, as time went on, his symptoms became more and more severe, and he even began to have blood in his stool.
Mr. Li and his family were very worried, so they decided to come to the hospital for a check-up.
I recommended him to have a colonoscopy and the results showed that he had bowel cancer.
The news came as a bolt from the blue for Mr. Lee and his family.
They couldn't believe that such a healthy person could suffer from such a serious illness.
However, with my encouragement and the support of his family, Mr. Li decided to undergo treatment.
He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous site.
After surgery, he also underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy to prevent the cancer from returning.
After a period of treatment, Mr. Li's physical condition gradually returned to normal.
He started his life anew and cherished every healthy moment even more.
I am sharing this case with you to give you a warning!
Let's talk about it specifically!
1. You tend to ignore the early signs of bowel cancer!
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a common malignancy of the digestive tract.
Its early signs are not obvious, but if you notice some of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor for a check-up:
Change in bowel habits: If you have a sudden change in your bowel habits, such as frequent episodes of constipation or diarrhea, or alternating constipation with diarrhea, this could be an early sign.
Changes in the shape of your stool: If you notice that your stool is thin, flattened, or grooved, it may be due to a tumor squeezing in your intestines.
Bloody or mucus stools: Fresh or dark red blood in your stool, or with mucus, can be a sign of bowel cancer.
Abdominal discomfort: Be alarmed if you often experience abdominal distension, dull pain or discomfort, especially in the middle and lower abdomen.
Weight loss: Continued weight loss without deliberate weight loss may be due to intestinal tumors that affect nutrient absorption.
Anemia: Anemia can be triggered by chronic blood loss due to intestinal tumors.
Persistent fatigue: If you often feel tired and weak that doesn't go away even with rest, it may be one of the symptoms of bowel cancer.
Loss of appetite: Loss of interest in food, or feeling full after eating a small amount of food, may be a sign of an intestinal tumor affecting digestive function.
Vomiting or nausea: If you feel nausea or vomiting frequently, especially in the absence of gastrointestinal disorders, you should be alert to the possibility of bowel cancer.
Abdominal lumps: If a hard, fixed lump is felt in the abdomen, it may be a sign of an intestinal tumor.
The appearance of the above symptoms does not necessarily mean that it is bowel cancer.
Early detection and treatment of bowel cancer is very important and can greatly increase the likelihood of cure.
2. Bowel cancer is often caused by these lifestyle habits that you don't pay attention to!
Here are some lifestyle habits that may increase the risk of bowel cancer:
Eating habits: Eating habits have a big impact on bowel cancer risk.
For example, consuming too much meat, especially red meat and processed meat products, may increase the risk of bowel cancer.
In addition, eating spicy and greasy foods may also lead to intestinal dysfunction and increase the risk of bowel cancer.
There are also studies that suggest that a lack of adequate dietary fiber in the diet may also increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Sedentary lifestyle: Long-term sedentary inactivity may lead to decreased metabolic capacity, decreased gastrointestinal peristalsis, leading to the accumulation of toxins, inducing intestinal lesions, and increasing the risk of bowel cancer.
Smoking and drinking: Long-term smoking and drinking can lead to excessive intake of harmful substances, which can damage the intestines and increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Family history: Bowel cancer has a certain family history, and if someone in the family has had bowel cancer, the risk of bowel cancer in other members will also increase.
Intestinal polyps: If intestinal polyps are present, they also increase the risk of intestinal cancer, resulting in impaired intestinal function.
Processed meat products: Processed meat products have been classified as a class 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, with clear carcinogenic ingredients that increase our risk of cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption: If you consume more than 30 grams of alcohol a day, you may develop bowel cancer.
Note that these factors do not necessarily mean that they will lead to bowel cancer, but rather increase the risk of developing the disease.
By improving lifestyle habits, such as eating a reasonable diet, exercising moderately, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, etc., the risk of bowel cancer can be effectively reduced.
If you have any concerns, it is advisable to consult a medical professional in a timely manner.
3. How can we prevent bowel cancer in our daily life?
Bowel cancer is a serious disease, but the risk of developing it can be reduced with some lifestyle changes.
Here are some effective precautions:
Dietary modifications
Cut back on high-fat, high-protein, high-calorie foods: Eating too many of these foods can increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Increase foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits, which can help promote intestinal peristalsis and reduce the residence time of harmful substances in the intestines.
Limit red meat intake: Red meat (such as pork, beef, and lamb) should be limited to 90g per day.
Improvement of lifestyle habits
Increase your physical activity: Proper physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce undesirable habits such as sitting too much.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of bowel cancer.
Maintain a good state of mind: Avoid excessive tension and stress and maintain a good state of mind.
Regular screenings
Bowel cancer screening: For people at high risk of bowel cancer, such as those with a family history of bowel cancer, over 40 years old, intestinal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, etc., it is recommended to undergo regular bowel cancer screening, including fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, etc.
Treatment of associated conditions
Actively treat diseases such as chronic inflammation of the intestines, polyps, etc.: These diseases can develop into bowel cancer if left untreated.
In general, the prevention of bowel cancer requires a comprehensive consideration of multiple aspects such as diet, lifestyle habits, regular screening, and treatment of related diseases.
If you have any questions or concerns, it is advisable to consult a medical professional who can provide you with more specific advice and assistance.
Bowel cancer is a serious disease that we need to be vigilant about at all times.
If you notice an abnormality in your stool, then you may need to see a doctor.
Remember, health is the most important thing, and don't neglect your body because you're afraid.