Colorectal cancer, simply known as colon cancer, is a type of cancer that affects both men and women. Unfortunately, although it is one of the most preventable cancers, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. But we can beat this statistic with one sad one.
The first thing we can do is raise awareness about a healthy outcome by establishing a healthy diet and lifestyle, and always with an object. Everyone with colorectal cancer starting at age 45 and up to age 75 should be screened.
Most colorectal cancers begin as abnormal growths in the tissue of the colon or rectum, known as polyps. In most cases, polyps are benign, or not cancerous, but there are certain types of polyps that can turn into cancer in time. Colon polyps can also be present for many years without showing any symptoms.
Fortunately, colorectal cancer screening tests can detect polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective and least invasive. According to figures from the CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about nine out of 10 people who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and receive early and appropriate treatment are still alive five years later.
There are several types of tests to screen for colorectal cancer, starting with the fecal occult blood test and the fecal DNA test; sigmoidoscopy; and the colony. When it’s time for your test, talk with your doctor and together determine which one is best for you. And I pray you, do not be ashamed to speak, and do not be afraid or ashamed to beware of exemplifying your want. Better safe than sorry.
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Screening tests are usually covered by health insurance at no cost. And people who don’t have insurance can get coverage for free or at a low cost, even in an affiliated community like AltaMed.
It is important to emphasize that when most people have a family history of cancer before the age of 45, and people who believe they are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, they should talk. Talk to your doctor about it. You need to start getting screening tests, what type of test you should have, and how often you should have them. People over 75″[ET1] [MS2] They should also talk to their doctor about it and decide together if they should continue with the object.
Although people with a genetic predisposition have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, there are certain factors that increase our risk of developing it. These include:
our age: as our age, so our danger
Having an inflammatory bowel disease, such as chronic colitis or Crohn’s
Without consummation
Smoke
Overweight and some great pain
While there are some dangerous things that we cannot control, there are many things that affect our lives that we can change. So at least try to exercise 30 minutes every day. If you smoke or drink, please stop. They eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat. Also, limit your consumption of red meat and processed meat.
And finally, although in most cases colorectal cancer has no symptoms, if you notice a change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, which lasts more than a few days; to feel that the intestine has not been emptied; the stool is changed, as blood, a thinner scab, or a different shape than usual; they have pain when they pass gas; or you suddenly start losing weight, talk to your doctor. Prevention and early life detection.
Dr. Efrain Talamantes is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AltaMed Services. This article is part of the Salud project conducted by the Los Angeles Times en Español and various medical providers.
This article was originally published in Spanish in the Los Angeles Times.
