Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer today. So much so that it ranks 3rd among all cancers. According to the studies; The responsible of 90-95% of colon cancer is colon polyps, whose risk increases with advancing age! 10-20 percent of these polyps become malignant in 8-10 years, in other words, they become cancerous! Polyps, which are called 'hidden danger' because they usually do not give any symptoms before they turn into cancer, can actually be detected and removed with regular colonoscopy, thus preventing their transformation into colon cancer!
Acıbadem Fulya Hospital Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Oya OrientTherefore, he pointed out that even if there is no risk factor, everyone should have a colonoscopy at the age of 50, “For people with risk factors, this calendar is drawn forward. The patient's life can be saved by detecting and removing polyps before they turn into colon cancer, and performing intermittent screening colonoscopies according to the pathology result. Moreover, the colonoscopy procedure can be completed in as little as 30 minutes today. " says.
Can insidiously turn into cancer
Colon (large intestine) polyps; It is defined as masses that can reach millimetric to centimetric sizes as a result of the abnormal growth of the layer covering the inside of the large intestine and protruding into the intestinal canal. Colon polyps, which are seen in roughly 6 percent of the adult age group, increase to approximately 50-20 percent around the age of 25 and up to 70 percent after the age of 40. Polyps are usually asymptomatic, often detected in screening colonoscopies for colon cancer. Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Emphasizing that polyps are called hidden danger for this reason, Oya-Directional polyps, "Less frequently, patients can apply to the physician due to anemia, lower gastrointestinal system bleeding, change in defecation habits, and rarely intestinal obstruction. says.
Risk increases 2-3 times if there is a family history
Faulty eating habits such as poor nutrition, being over the age of 50, genetic predisposition, population-specific reasons, living a sedentary life, obesity, smoking, acromegaly, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases are among the factors that cause polyp formation. taking. The incidence of polyps is higher in societies where colon cancer is common. In addition to these, family history of cancer also increases the risk. So much so that in people with polyps in their first-degree relatives, the risk increases 2-3 times compared to the normal population.
It is taken before it turns into cancer
Detecting and removing polyps by colonoscopy method is life-saving as it prevents the development of colon cancer. In colonoscopy; The large intestine mucosa is examined with a flexible instrument with a camera on the tip. In this way, colon polyps are detected and polypectomy, which is the procedure of removing the poly from the large intestine with forceps or wire loop, is performed. Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Emphasizing that the goal of the Oya Directional treatment is the complete removal of the polyp, he said, “There is a possibility that another polyp will occur in the future in the patient with a large intestine polyp. Therefore, after the detected polyp or all polyps are removed, screening colonoscopies should be performed at regular intervals according to the diameter, number of polyps and pathology results. With the procedures performed by experienced hands and colonoscopic scans performed at the correct frequency, very successful results are obtained from the treatment. he speaks.
Regular screening is a must!
Gastroenterology Specialist Prof Dr., who stated that colonoscopy screening should be started at the age of 50 in people who do not have risk factors for colorectal cancers. Oya Yönal, "If the result of the colonoscopy is normal, scanning should be continued every 10 years. If polyp is detected; Colonoscopy should be repeated more frequently, depending on the number, diameter and pathology result of the polyp. " says. Pointing out that colonoscopy screening should start at the age of 40 or 10 years before the age of the youngest relative diagnosed with cancer in people with colorectal cancer or polyps in their first degree relatives (mother, father or sibling). Dr. Oya Yönal continues as follows: “If the first results are normal, screening should be continued every 5 years. "If polyp is detected, it should be repeated more often," he says.
6 tips to prevent polyp formation!
- Pay attention to a diet rich in vegetables and fruits
- Reduce red meat and fatty foods
- Do physical activity regularly
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
- Get the ideal weight control
- Some studies have shown that taking large amounts of vitamin D daily has a reduced risk of colon polyps and colon cancer. Therefore, vitamin D supplements are recommended for the ideal vitamin D level.
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