It is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine, that is, in the colon, which is the final part of the digestive tract. It usually starts as small, noncancerous groups of cells called polyps that form inside the colon. Over time, these polyps can develop into colon cancer.
World Day Against Colon Cancer is celebrated on March 31st, a date dedicated to raising awareness about this disease and about the importance of timely detection, as well as leading a healthy lifestyle to save lives.
Colon cancer is among the five types of cancer that cause the highest number of deaths (774,000 in 2015), and it usually affects mainly older adults, although it can appear at any age.
In Mexico, about 15,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, being the population between 65 and 75 years old where the largest number occurs.
Symptoms:
- Change in bowel habits: diarrhea, constipation, stool consistency.
- Rectal or stool bleeding.
- Abdominal discomfort: cramp, gas, and/or pain.
- Sensation of not emptying the stomach completely.
- Weakness or fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
Although the exact causes of colon cancer are unknown in most cases, some risk factors could cause it:
- Old age.
- Personal and family history of colorectal cancer.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon.
- Inherited syndromes.
- Low fiber and high-fat diet.
- Little physical activity
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
How can I prevent it? Get regular colon cancer screenings and make lifestyle changes if you have any of the risk factors.
At the Cancer Center of the ABC Medical Center we can give you specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669
https://www.imss.gob.mx/prensa/archivo/201903/070
https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
