→ 3 or more polyps (adenomas) larger than 1 cm, undergo colonoscopy again ‘within 3 years’
In Korea, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer among cancers (2018 National Cancer Registry Statistics) with the highest incidence. The number of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 27,909 a year, and the total number of colorectal cancer patients is 265,291. 60% of colorectal cancer patients are male. Hereditary colorectal cancer accounts for about 5% of all colorectal cancers. The causative gene is not yet clear. Environmental factors also influence the incidence of colorectal cancer. The study found that the incidence of colorectal cancer increased in Asians who immigrated to the United States or Australia. A habit of eating too much red meat, animal fats, and processed meats such as sausages increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Other risk factors include high calories, insufficient fiber, lack of physical activity, excessive drinking and smoking. The incidence of colorectal cancer is high in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or obesity.
◆ Colonic bleeding ‘dark red’, hemorrhoids ‘bright red’ bloody stool
“It is difficult to distinguish hemochromatic colorectal cancer, so it is necessary to see a colorectal specialist”
If bloody stools are seen, colorectal cancer should be suspected. It is easy to confuse hemorrhoids because the symptoms are similar. The color is different from the bloody stool caused by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually show bright red bleeding. Colorectal cancer appears in various ways depending on the location of the cancer and the amount of bleeding. Bleeding from the upper part of the large intestine is black or dark red blood mixed with the stool. Tumor bleeding close to the ‘rectum’, the tip of the large intestine, produces more red blood. However, it is difficult to distinguish colorectal cancer by color alone. Think of it as a sign that you should seek medical attention.
In many cases, it is difficult to clearly distinguish whether it is colorectal cancer or hemorrhoids. Once bloody stool symptoms persist, it is important to check the symptoms accurately through consultation with a colorectal specialist.
◆ 3 or more polyps (adenomas) larger than 1 cm, you must undergo a colonoscopy ‘within 3 years’
Polyps are found in 40-60% of colonoscopy. Among them, about 50% of adenomas, which can be called the ‘seeds of cancer’, are also found. If there are no polyps or 1 or 2 adenomas of 10 mm or less have been completely removed, a colonoscopy can be performed after 5 to 10 years. However, if there are 3 or more adenomas ▲adenomas larger than 10mm in size ▲(tissue type) cell ductal villous or villous adenomas ▲(a tumor tissue different from normal) adenomas with high dysplasia, ▲serrated polyps larger than 10mm in size, within 3 years Follow-up colonoscopy is required.
From the age of 45, it is recommended to have a colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years, even if there are no symptoms. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, it is recommended that the patient be screened 10 years before the age of cancer onset.
◆ Colorectal cancer prevention, ‘Physical activity lowers the risk of colorectal cancer by 27%’
Diet ‘Reduce processed meat and increase fiber’
Regular exercise is important to prevent colon cancer. A meta-analysis of studies found that those who were physically active had a 27% lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to those who were less active. The exact mechanism by which physical activity reduces the risk of colorectal cancer remains unknown. It is presumed to be due to shortening of intestinal transit time or hormonal changes.
A healthy diet is also necessary. Foods high in fiber shorten the transit time through the intestines. It reduces the time that carcinogens come into contact with the intestinal mucosa. Reduce your intake of red meat, animal fats, and processed meats such as sausages, which increase the risk of cancer. For sweetness, it is recommended to reduce the use of monosaccharides and disaccharides and use polysaccharides (oligosaccharides). It is recommended to consume an appropriate amount of seaweed such as seaweed and laver, oats with a lot of resistant starch, unpolished cereals, beans, and corn. It is also helpful to take an appropriate amount to avoid deficiency of folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium.
The common and most desirable treatment of cancer is prevention and early diagnosis. Efforts to correct various environmental risk factors that can be corrected for colorectal cancer and to actively find and remove adenomas through colonoscopy are the prevention and early treatment methods for colorectal cancer.
