Colorectal cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women and the third most common cancer among men, according to the German news agency quoted the World Cancer Research Fund, but experts confirm that colorectal cancer can be prevented to a large extent.

Dr. David Liska, MD, a colorectal surgeon and director of the Colorectal Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic, said colorectal cancer screening in itself represents an "opportunity for timely intervention," noting that improvements in one's pattern of His life may help prevent many forms of cancer.

March is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.

This annual campaign represents an important opportunity to raise awareness about this type of cancer, its symptoms and associated risk factors, the need for regular screening after the age of 50, and the treatment options available to patients, according to the Primary Health Care Corporation in Qatar.

colonoscopy

During colonoscopy, benign or malignant tumors can be identified and removed before they cause any harm, according to the expert, who confirmed that breast, lung or brain cancer cannot be prevented in the same way, and tumors cannot be removed from any of those organs easily. Like removed from the large intestine.

Most cases of colorectal cancer appear in people over 50 years old, but Dr. Liska pointed to a recent increase in its prevalence among younger patients, saying that researchers expect this to be due - at least in part - Bad eating habits increase with lack of exercise.

If a person experiences any unusual symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, a change in bowel behavior or abdominal pain, these symptoms should not be ignored, regardless of age or family history.

Liska called for anyone with such symptoms to see a doctor.

Dr. Lyska pointed out that colorectal cancer can be prevented by following the following five steps:

Step one: get regular checkups

Dr. Liska said colorectal cancer arises from a precancerous tumor or other precancerous lesion, and it takes about 10 years for an adenoma to turn cancerous.

That's why a colonoscopy allows doctors to find polyps, if present, and remove them before they become a problem.

Liska noted that a colonoscopy is a safe and relatively unobtrusive procedure, usually taking about 30 minutes if no polyps need to be removed.

Patients should seek an experienced colonoscopy who knows how to identify polyps and remove them in the safest way possible.

The whole experience is more relaxing than it used to be, and conscious sedation is used in many cases.

Dr. Liska stressed that everyone should get regular screenings, either with a colonoscopy or one of the other recommended exams, starting at the age of 45, when the risk of developing colorectal cancer begins to increase, but individuals at greater risk of developing the disease should, For those with a family history, talk to your doctor about starting screening early.

He explained, "With a family history, and in an easy arithmetic process, we have to take the age of the youngest relatives who contracted the disease when they were diagnosed with advanced precancerous polyps and subtract 10 years from it, to have the age at which a colonoscopy should be started, and follow it up every time. 5 years".

Step Two: Follow a Colon-Friendly Diet

Your colorectal surgeon recommends eating more fruits, vegetables, bread, whole grains, nuts, and legumes;

Because it helps reduce the risk of some types of cancer and is linked to a healthy bowel.

He also advised limiting the intake of red meat and meat that is processed or high in fat, which can increase the risk of colon cancer.

He added that alcohol is also a factor in the risk of developing cancer, calling for it to be reduced or avoided.

Step Three: Maintain a healthy weight

Dr. Liska said that the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with increasing weight, and recommended that individuals regularly monitor their body mass index, which is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in metres, noting that a BMI of 25 or higher may mean a high A person's risk of disease.

Step Four: Exercise Regularly

The expert at the Cleveland Clinic advised individuals to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, at least 5 days a week, saying that physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, which may reduce the risk of cancer.

Examples of moderate-intensity exercise for healthy adults include brisk walking and cycling.

Step Five: Avoid all types of smoking

Smoking increases the risk of colon cancer, according to Dr. Liska, who stresses the need to avoid it completely.

Throughout the month of March, public healthcare institutions in Qatar are educating people about prevention and early detection of bowel cancer.#Bowel_cances_awareness_month #MOPH #HMC #PHCC #QCS pic.twitter.com/amNNngYJqb

— Primary Health Care Corporation (@PHCCqatar) March 4, 2022

In conclusion, we remind that cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, but up to 85% of colorectal cancers can be prevented or successfully treated if the patient at risk undergoes a colonoscopy.