Age of Screening for Colon Cancer Decreased from 50 to 45

Stating that the incidence of colon cancer before the age of 50 has increased twice in recent years, the General Surgery Specialist drew attention to the study conducted by the American Gastroenterology Association. According to the study, the screening age was reduced from 50 to 45.

A study conducted by the American Gastroenterological Association showed that the age of screening for large bowel cancer dropped from 50 to 45. Evaluating the study, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital General Surgery Specialist gave information about the importance of colon cancer and screening tests. Stating that colon or large bowel cancer is always in the top 3 of both sexes among cancers all over the world, they said, "It is a type of cancer we see frequently. Genetic factors are effective in the emergence of large bowel cancer. People with a family history of colon cancer have a higher incidence of the disease. But in addition to that, the food we eat is very important. Inactivity, not eating pulpy foods, and GMO foods all increase the risk. For protection, natural, fibrous foods, movement, fluid intake, and exercise are very important."

Cancer Cases Doubled, Screening Required Before Age 50

Our specialist, who draws attention to the importance of screening tests in the treatment of large intestine cancer, referred to a study conducted by the American Society of Gastroenterology and warned:

"Every year, the association produces breakdowns of large bowel patients according to their age. Compared to the 1980s, we now see twice as many colon cancers under the age of 50. Therefore, both the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Cancer Society have decided that patients under the age of 50 should be screened. A change to the guidelines was also made in this direction. We now know that screening should be done over the age of 45, so it is possible to get rid of cancer through early diagnosis and treatment. Today, unfortunately, the rate of colon cancer in young people has doubled compared to old years. Therefore, we are reducing the age of screening from 50 to 45."

Success Rate at Early-Stage 90 Percent

Reminding that metastasis is most common in the liver in large intestine cancer, our specialist said, "We get good results even in cancers that have spread to the liver. If we had about 100 such patients, if we had colon cancer that spread to the liver in stage 4, we could keep 35 percent of them alive for 5 years. We can achieve these successes by developing surgical techniques. But our main desire is to identify early and to identify early. When we diagnose early, we can keep all the patients alive. There is no death due to early diagnosis of large intestine cancer. We can completely eliminate it. We are looking to provide it. We get pretty good results even in advanced cancers, but our main goal is early detection. When diagnosed in the early period, our success rate in patients is over 90 percent."

What Symptoms Should Be Considered?

Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital General Surgery Specialist, who says that you may have colon cancer even if you have no complaints, said, "If you are over 45, you should definitely have a screening. However, one of the most important symptoms of colon cancer is blood coming from the rectum. This can be seen in different diseases. But this should not be avoided by tiring. An assay will have to be done. It is not natural for blood to come from the holes in our bodies. Therefore, if we see any blood around here, we should definitely have an examination. We can see this cancer even at 20 years of age in people with family predispositions. Some families have a predisposition to cancer. As with many cancers, we are prone to large bowel cancer, and we can encounter cancer patients even in our 20s. In general, if you go above 45, you are at risk of colon cancer, even if you have no complaints."

Colonoscopy is the Best Method

The General Surgery Specialist, who explained that the best and healthy one among the screening test is colonoscopy, said, "The procedure is to look inside the intestine with a lighted instrument. This works best, but you can also do a stool blood test. Doing this intermittently is the best way to prevent colon cancer. When you apply them, you will not lose your days due to colorectal cancer. You just need to take the time to do it."