Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer made statements about colon cancer and the importance of early diagnosis.
Noting that colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer today, Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer said, “Colon cancer is a treatable and preventable disease. Follow-up is extremely important.” He emphasized the importance of regular control.
“Anyone over the age of 45 should definitely have a colonoscopy if they haven't had it before.” Atamer said, “If there are people in the family, especially first-degree relatives with colon cancer, regular colonoscopy should be performed starting 10 years after the age at which their relatives were diagnosed with colon cancer.” he said.
Follow-up and regular colonoscopy are extremely important for catching and treating the disease.
Pointing out that colon cancer is in the group of diseases that do not usually show symptoms, Atamer said, “Colon cancers on the left side present with bleeding, while those on the right side are more likely to have anemia. Therefore, follow-up and regular colonoscopy are extremely important to catch and treat the disease. Apart from this, it is possible to follow up in the general health control, but it is possible to diagnose with colonoscopy.” said.
Dietary habits can also be a risk factor.
Underlining that colon cancer is not only caused by genetic factors, Prof. Dr. Aytaç Atamer, “Eat habits, especially cigarette and alcohol consumption, excessive consumption of red meat and delicatessen products, consumption of fatty foods, excess weight and inactivity play a role in the formation of colon cancer.” warned.
“Today, it is possible to remove even very advanced colon cancers”
Noting that colon cancers start with the polyp stage, Atamer said, “Over time, these polyps become cancerous. For this reason, polyps are examined in patients who undergo regular colonoscopy. If there is a polyp, it is possible to see and remove it.” said.
Stating that if it is below a certain level, the cancerous polyp can be treated with closed surgery with special methods, Atamer concluded his words as follows:
“Today, it is possible to remove even very advanced colon cancers as long as they do not spread. In addition, in advanced colon cancers, according to the decision of the council, surgical intervention is performed first, and in some cases, surgical intervention is performed after chemoradiotherapy. The location of the colon cancer is extremely important. Surgery should be decided accordingly. During the recovery period of the surgery, patients should be able to return to their normal lives. The key is to catch it early. When caught early, the surgery is short and laparoscopic. It is easy for the patient to recover and recover after the surgery performed after early diagnosis.