Beware of colorectal cancer, know the symptoms!

Hello Friends of Hermina Bitung, have you ever heard of colorectal cancer? What is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is cancer that is in the large intestine or at the very bottom of the large intestine which is connected to the anus.  Colorectal cancer generally starts from intestinal polyps or tissue that grows abnormally on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. However, not all polyps develop into cancer. The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp itself.

Types of Polyps in the Colon :

First, we need to know the types of polyps that can grow in the large intestine:

1. Adenoma polyps, which are a type of polyp that sometimes turns into cancer (precancerous condition)

2. Hyperplastic polyps, which are a type that occurs more often but generally do not become cancerous

3. Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA), namely types of polyps that are considered adenoma polyps, because they have a high risk of turning into colorectal cancer

Factors Increasing Polyps In The Colon :

Regardless of the type of polyp, there are several factors that can increase the chance of a polyp turning into colorectal cancer, namely:

1. The size of the polyp is greater than 1 cm

2. More than 2 polyps in the colon or rectum

3. Polyps grow on abnormal tissue (dysplasia), usually visible after the polyp is removed

Friends of Hermina Bitung should also know what the causes and risk factors for colorectal cancer are. Like all types of cancer, colorectal cancer occurs when cells in the body grow abnormally and form tumors. Over time, this tumor will grow and damage the surrounding healthy tissue.

Colorectal cancer is usually accompanied by living an unhealthy lifestyle, for example rarely consuming fiber and fruit, not exercising enough, and having a habit of smoking and consuming alcoholic drinks.

Some of the symptoms of colorectal cancer that can appear are diarrhea, frequent constipation, weight loss for no apparent reason, bleeding from the rectum (the end of the large intestine), bloody stools, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, cramps or bloating, body get tired easily.

How can colorectal cancer be prevented? Prevention of colorectal cancer is:

1. Increase your consumption of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and antioxidants, such as vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds.

2. Reduce the habit of drinking alcohol, namely no more than one small glass per day for men and women.

3. Do exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes per day and level the intensity slowly.

4. Stop smoking and adopt healthy eating habits, such as eating according to portion sizes and staying active so that you don't gain weight easily.

The treatment for colorectal cancer is through medical surgery. This is the main treatment for colorectal cancer. First of all, the doctor will perform a resection, namely cutting off the part of the colon or rectum where the cancer is growing. In addition, the tissue and lymph nodes around the part of the intestine affected by cancer will also be removed.

If you experience the above symptoms, consult a specialist in general surgery, Dr. Kamsir Koto, SpB.

-Healthy Greetings-