This is an automatically translated article.
Colon cancer is a fairly common digestive cancer in Vietnam. Globally, colon cancer has the fourth highest mortality rate among cancers. However, if the signs of stage 1 colon cancer are recognized early, the chance of a cure is up to 90%.
1. Staging in colon cancer
In 2018 recorded 14,733 new cases of colon cancer in Vietnam and caused 7,856 deaths from this disease. Recognizing the early symptoms of colon cancer can help patients be diagnosed early and treated promptly.
The colon is a part of the large intestine, the abnormal growth of cells there is the cause of colon cancer. Colon cancer progresses through stages:
Tis stage (stage “0”): is the stage of colon cancer in situ. This is the earliest stage of colon cancer, malignant lesions have not yet penetrated the lining of the colon. Stage I: The colonic malignancy extends beyond the mucosal layer, begins to invade the submucosa and muscle layer, but has not spread to nearby areas. Stage II: Cancer has grown beyond the wall of the colon and has spread to some nearby structures, but has not invaded nearby lymph nodes. Stage III: Colon cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but have not spread far to other organs. Stage IV: The cancer has metastasized to one or more other organs in the body such as the liver, lungs, etc.
2. Signs of stage 1 colon cancer
Symptoms of early colon cancer can be vague and seen in other diseases, causing patients to ignore leading to detection of colon cancer at a later stage. Possible signs of stage 1 colon cancer include:
2.1. Bowel disorders Patients with early stage colon cancer often present with symptoms of bowel disorders such as constipation or erratic diarrhea, this condition is often prolonged, making the patient uncomfortable and tired. When defecating, the patient often has abdominal pain, straining, and frequent bowel movements. Abnormally shaped and sized stools: An obstructed digestive tract in colon cancer can distort the stool and change its size, and the stool may become thinner and narrower than normal. 2.2. Abdominal pain Colon cancer patients may present with abdominal discomfort and pain. Abdominal pain may be dull or painful intermittently. Abdominal pain is a common symptom in digestive diseases, but it is not so subjective and ignored before excluding dangerous causes.
2.3. Anorexia, indigestion Loss of appetite, bloating, indigestion can be a sign of colon cancer, this condition can make the body weak and tired..
2.4. Unusual weight loss Not because of diet or exercise for the purpose of losing weight but the body suddenly loses weight, it is very important to pay attention. Unexplained weight loss can be a sign of cancer in general, including colon cancer. Tumor growth coupled with poor diet and indigestion are the causes of weight loss in colon cancer patients.
2.5. Low GI bleeding Signs of bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as bloody or mucopurulent stools, may be seen in colon cancer. Blood in the stool can be encountered in many different diseases, it is necessary to exclude benign diseases such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, ... before thinking about colon cancer.
2.6. Fatigue, weakness Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of cancer but are easy to ignore. It may be a manifestation of anemia in colon cancer due to blood loss oozing through the digestive tract. Patients are often dizzy, tired, exhausted even when resting.
As mentioned, stage 1 colon cancer is easy to be confused with other diseases because early stage colon cancer symptoms are often vague and unclear. Patients need to go to the hospital to be examined by a specialist and do the necessary tests to make an accurate diagnosis and rule out other causes.
3. Prevention of colon cancer
Limiting risk factors and a reasonable lifestyle can help prevent colon cancer.
Red meat diet: Red meat (pork, beef, lamb,...) should only be used in a balanced and reasonable amount. Consuming red meat in excessive amounts may be a risk factor for colon cancer. Food processing should also limit frying, grilling, smoking, ... Fiber: Eating more foods containing a lot of fiber such as green vegetables and fruits can support digestive circulation, limiting your health. stagnation of stool in the intestinal lumen and reduce the risk of colon cancer. Alcohol: Drinking a lot of alcohol can increase the risk of colon cancer. Tobacco: Smoking combined with alcohol increases the risk of colon cancer. Exercise mode: Physical activity, exercise, and movement will improve health and reduce the risk of colon cancer. In addition, colon cancer screening should also be performed periodically in at-risk subjects such as personal or family history of colorectal polyps.
Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a Package of Screening and Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer, implemented by a team of experienced doctors and nurses in the field of colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. colon, with the support of a system of modern technological equipment and facilities, full of specialized means to diagnose the disease and stage it before treatment such as: Endoscopy, CT scan, PET-CT scan, MRI, mammogram, histopathological diagnosis, gene-cell testing, ... help detect colon cancer early even when there are no symptoms.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
