Some individuals use the month of March to increase greater awareness of cancer of the colon. Colon cancer affects individuals in Anguilla, but increased screening and awareness of this deadly cancer should see a decrease incidence in the future. Diet and proper nutrition are vital tools in the fight against colon cancer.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they are often referred to as colorectal cancers.
In most cases, it is not clear what causes colon cancer. Doctors know that colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon become altered.
Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers.
Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying polyps before they become colon cancer.
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer
You might have colon cancer and have few or no symptoms especially in the early stages. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:
• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• A feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
When to see a doctor
If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, make an appointment with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors such as a family history of the disease. Several screening options exist — each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Talk about your options with your doctor, and together you can decide which tests are appropriate for you.
Diet and colon cancer
There is increasing evidence that supports eating a healthy diet for both prevention and treatment of cancer of the colon. In general, dietary recommendations include consuming less saturated fat and salt and eating a variety of colourful fruits, and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A healthy diet provides a multitude of benefits beyond preventing colon cancer. The following are recommended for preventing colon cancer and improving your health:
• Limit consumption of red meat
• Eat a variety of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables
• Eat lots of fresh fish at least 1-3 times per week
• Avoid excess salt and saturated fats
• Maintain a healthy weight and keep physically active
• Abstain from alcohol, and if you drink do so in moderation
• Avoid tobacco in all forms
Diet is considered a determinant of increased risk in the development of colorectal cancer. Although it is difficult to ascertain which components of diet are most important in increasing the risk of colorectal cancer, compelling evidence suggests a strong association between red meat and fat intake and colorectal cancer. While high consumption of animal fat is positively associated with colorectal cancer, consumption of fatty fish and low fat intake may lower risk. Obesity and lack of physical activity are also associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Fibre and colon cancer
There is much evidence that dietary fibre has a protective effect on the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer. Diets rich in vegetables and high fibre grains demonstrated significant protection against fatal colorectal cancer.
Fiber appears to have a number of mechanisms responsible for its protective effects: it decreases fecal transit time by increasing stool bulk; it appears to dilute the concentration of other colonic constituents which tend to minimize contact between carcinogens and colon epithelium.
Conclusion
Cancer of the colon is a leading cause of cancer deaths in Anguilla and many other countries. We do not know why many individuals get cancer of the colon, but there is much evidence that diet plays a great role. You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making changes in your everyday life. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, drink alcohol in moderation, if at all, stop smoking, exercise most days of the week, maintain a healthy weight – and having regular medical check-ups and appropriate screening tests can all help to prevent cancer of the colon.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
