Early Signs That Indicate Your Risk of Colon Cancer
Dr. Ahmed Al-Zamzami, Professor of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, stated that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. He explained that early detection is crucial for achieving high cure rates, noting that colon cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
He added that it is one of the most treatable cancers when detected in its early stages, emphasizing that there are some important tips for early detection and prevention of colon cancer.
He pointed out that colon cancer begins as polyps in the colon, which can be removed via colonoscopy to prevent them from developing into malignant tumors and cancer over time.
Cases that require immediate colonoscopy:
- Individuals over 45 years of age, even without symptoms, for early detection of colon polyps or benign tumors, which can eventually develop into colon cancer. Therefore, their removal via colonoscopy prevents cancerous transformation.
- Anyone with a relative who has had colon cancer or colon polyps resulting from tissue abnormalities. - Individuals with iron deficiency anemia of unknown cause.
- Individuals experiencing a sudden change in bowel habits, especially the elderly, whether it be sudden constipation that does not improve or chronic diarrhea that does not respond to conventional treatment.
- Anyone experiencing unexplained or unexplained weight loss.
- Individuals experiencing blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, even if they have hemorrhoids or other surgical causes. He pointed out that all these cases require an exploratory colonoscopy, as colonoscopies are both diagnostic and therapeutic. He added that colonoscopy is safe and effective in the early detection and prevention of colon cancer.