Colonoscopy is commonly performed to investigate conditions such as unexplained abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. It is also frequently utilized for unexplained weight loss and anemia, chronic diarrhea, and chronic constipation. All healthy individuals over the age of 45 should undergo colonoscopy at regular intervals. This allows for the detection of intestinal polyps even in asymptomatic individuals, thereby preventing colon cancer in its early stages.
How is Colonoscopy Performed?
Can Colon Cancer Be Detected Early with Colonoscopy?
Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide and in our country. However, when detected at an early stage, the chances of treatment are quite high. Colonoscopy is one of the most effective methods for both diagnosis and preventive treatment in this process. When colon cancer is detected early, the survival time of patients increases significantly. Therefore, colonoscopy plays a significant role not only in detecting the disease but also in preventing cancer by removing precursor lesions like polyps. Regular colonoscopy is recommended for individuals with a family history of colon cancer starting at the age of 45. Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination method that visualizes the entire colon starting from the rectum. During this procedure, performed with a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera, the polyps within the intestine can be identified and removed. The patient is usually under sedation during the procedure, minimizing the sensation of pain. As both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, colonoscopy provides highly effective results in colon cancer screening.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer resulting from the uncontrolled proliferation of cells lining the inner surface of the colon. This disease, which develops in the final part of the digestive system, usually occurs when benign polyps transform into cancer over time. The most accurate answer to what colon cancer is would be; it is a type of cancer that can progress silently without symptoms in its early stages but is detectable and treatable through screening methods. Since colon cancer generally develops slowly, the removal of polyps that have not yet turned into cancer during regular screenings can completely prevent the disease. Therefore, adhering to screening programs is critically important for preventing the development of the disease. The risk increases especially in individuals over the age of 50, but for those with a family history, this threshold should be set at an earlier age.
What Causes Colon Cancer?
The answer to what causes colon cancer can be explained by the combination of genetic and environmental factors. Having a family history of colon cancer increases genetic predisposition. Likewise, hereditary polyposis syndromes are among the factors that elevate the risk of colon cancer. However, not only genetic factors but also lifestyle play a significant role in the development of the disease. A diet low in fiber, excessive consumption of processed meat products, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are the main factors that increase the risk of colon cancer. Additionally, long-term intestinal inflammation caused by inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) can provide a foundation for cancer development. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular colonoscopy screenings significantly reduces the risk of the disease.
What are the Stages of Colon Cancer?
The stages of colon cancer are determined by the extent of the disease's spread. Staging plays a critical role in treatment planning and prognosis assessment. The success rate of treatment is quite high in patients caught in the early stages. Stage 0 (in situ): Cancer is confined to the cells lining the intestinal surface. At this stage, cancer cells have not spread to the deeper layers of the intestine. Stage I: The tumor has spread to the inner layers of the intestinal wall but has not reached the lymph nodes or other organs. Stage II: Cancer has penetrated the intestinal wall and may have spread to surrounding tissues, but there is no involvement in the lymph nodes. Stage III: The cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes but has not metastasized to distant organs. Stage IV: The cancer has metastasized to distant organs such as the liver and lungs. Surgical treatment is usually sufficient in the early stages, while chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies are included in the treatment plan in the advanced stages.
How is Colon Cancer Diagnosed Early with Colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy is highly valuable for the early diagnosis of colon cancer because it allows for the direct observation of lesions in the large intestine. The detection of polyps and tumors, the immediate biopsy if needed, or the removal of polyps make it both diagnostic and therapeutic. Colonoscopy for the diagnosis of colon cancer should typically be done for screening purposes, not based on patient symptoms. This is because colon cancer usually does not present symptoms in its early stages. Therefore, a diagnosis can be made during the asymptomatic phase thanks to colonoscopy. Colonoscopy screenings performed in accordance with screening programs ensure that the disease is detected at a very early stage, maximizing the chance of treatment. During the procedure, the intestines need to be clean. Therefore, a preparation process including a liquid diet is implemented before the colonoscopy. The procedure is generally performed under sedation for patient comfort.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Colon Cancer?
To prevent colon cancer, both lifestyle changes and regular screening programs should be implemented. A healthy and balanced diet, consuming foods rich in fiber, and limiting the intake of red and processed meats are crucial steps in this regard. At least 150 minutes of physical activity should be performed weekly, ideal body weight should be maintained, and smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided. Stress management is also indirectly important due to its effects on the immune system. The most effective prevention method in colon cancer is regular screening with colonoscopy. Especially for individuals over age 45, having a colonoscopy every five years is recommended. For individuals with a family history of colon cancer, the interval and starting age should be personalized based on the physician's evaluation.
What are the Treatment Methods for Colon Cancer?
The treatment of colon cancer is planned according to the stage of the disease, the general health condition of the patient, and the location of the cancer. In the early stages, the tumor can be completely removed through surgical methods. Post-surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy may be applied if necessary. Chemotherapy and targeted therapy options are utilized in the advanced stages. In some patients, radiotherapy can also be added to the treatment. In recent years, new generation treatment methods such as immunotherapy have shown promising results in colon cancer. The follow-up process is as important as the treatment. Patients are called for regular check-ups to monitor for potential recurrence. Colonoscopic evaluations should not be neglected during this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can colon cancer be diagnosed early?
Yes, colon cancer can be diagnosed very early thanks to effective screening methods like colonoscopy. This increases the treatability of the disease and extends survival time. Screening is crucial even in the absence of symptoms.
What causes colon cancer??
Genetic factors, dietary habits, inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are among the main causes of colon cancer. An unhealthy lifestyle increases risk. Regular screenings can help control this risk at an early stage.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer formed by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells lining the inner surface of the colon. It typically develops from benign polyps. When diagnosed early, it is treatable.
Can colon cancer be detected with colonoscopy?
Yes. Colonoscopy is one of the most effective methods for detecting colon cancer. Polyps can be identified and removed, and early-stage cancers can be detected, allowing treatment to begin without delay.
What are the stages of colon cancer?
Colon cancer is classified from stage 0 to stage IV. As the stage advances, the treatment process becomes more complex. The success rate of treatment is quite high for patients diagnosed in the early stage.