Regular colonoscopy can help defeat colon cancer

Prof. Dr Erman Aytaç, General Surgery Specialist at Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital, emphasizes that colorectal cancer, one of the cancer types most frequently causing death because it typically produces no symptoms in early stages, can be prevented through regular colonoscopy screening. Colorectal cancer, a malignant tumor of the large intestine, is among the most common cancer types worldwide. Colorectal cancer is reported to be the third most frequently occurring cancer type globally. Each year, approximately 1 million people worldwide and 6,000 people in our country contract this disease. According to Health Ministry data, colorectal cancer, one of the five most common cancer types in our country, is increasingly appearing at younger ages. Statistics show that colorectal cancer develops before age 50 in 1 out of every 10 people. Recent trends toward fast food consumption, excessive weight gain, sedentary lifestyle, and tobacco use are reported to be contributing factors in colorectal cancer now affecting younger age groups as well.

Mandatory from age 45!

Colorectal cancer is a preventable cancer type because polyps, the most common cause of this cancer, can be detected and removed before transforming into cancer through regular colonoscopy screening. General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Erman Aytaç points out that everyone should undergo colonoscopy screening starting from age 45, even without any complaints, stating: "Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening programs at an earlier age. If polyps are detected during colonoscopy screening, these growths can be removed during the same procedure, thereby preventing the development of colorectal cancer. Moreover, if cancer has developed, early detection enables complete recovery. If there are no risk factors, repeating the procedure once every 10 years will be sufficient. However, screening frequency may vary depending on risk factors and additional conditions."

Polyps are the most common cause!

Many factors can be responsible for colorectal cancer development. General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Erman Aytaç notes that polyps lodged within the colon are the most common cause of colorectal cancer, stating: "Polyps are responsible for approximately 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases. Polyps that typically develop after age 45 can in some cases grow uncontrollably and lead to colorectal cancer over the years." Another important factor that can cause colorectal cancer is a fast food dietary pattern with excessive consumption of animal and processed foods and minimal intake of vegetables and fruits. Additionally, a family history of colorectal cancer, certain genetic disorders, inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, obesity, radiation exposure, and the presence of other cancers also play a role in colorectal cancer development.

Do not delay with these symptoms!

In its initial stage, colorectal cancer typically progresses insidiously without causing any complaints. Prof. Dr. Erman Aytaç summarizes the most distinctive symptoms that frequently develop in advanced stages as follows: • Changes in stool consistency and odor (diarrhea or constipation) • More frequent or less frequent bowel movements • Blood in stool or bleeding from the rectum • Abdominal bloating and pain, weakness, nausea, weight loss

Very high success rate

When colorectal cancer is detected in early stages, complete recovery is possible thanks to advances in treatment. In fact, when intervention is timely, survival rates rise to 90 percent. Colorectal cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy depending on the cancer stage. General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Erman Aytaç notes that surgery can be the first option if the tumor has not spread to distant organs, stating: "In patients without metastasis, in addition to surgical methods, certain chemotherapies or drugs called targeted therapies can be used. In the presence of metastasis, chemotherapy is generally the first treatment choice, unless there is obstruction, bleeding, or perforation, meaning rupture of the organ." Prof. Dr. Erman Aytaç emphasizes that in recent years, robotic or laparoscopic techniques called "minimally invasive surgery" have been used in surgical methods, noting that both techniques provide important benefits compared to open surgery, including faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and quicker return to normal life.