Bowel cancer is a malignant tumor of the mucous membrane of the rectum or small intestine. This disease is on the second place among all cancer diseases of people, whose age ranges from 55 years and older. To date, among all tumors of the intestine is the most common cancer of the colon.
Causes of bowel cancer
To say unequivocally, what causes contribute to the development of bowel cancer, it is impossible, because there are a lot of them. As practice shows, this ailment develops spontaneously, and what kind of connections exist between the disease and the risk factors has not been scientifically proven to date.
The main reasons are:
- overweight;
- smoking;
- alcohol (in large quantities);
- frequent use of vegetable and meat fats in large doses;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- changes on the genetic background;
- hereditary factor;
- formed polyps on the intestinal mucosa ;
- frequent inflammatory processes in the intestine.
Signs of bowel cancer
Identified in the early stages of intestinal cancer in almost 100% of cases is cured. Therefore, it is very important to immediately consult a doctor when the first signs and suspicion of this disease appear.
Typically, the signs of bowel cancer are ambiguous: they depend on the nature of tumor growth, the presence of precancerous diseases, the stage of development, complications and location of the tumor. In most cases, the manifestation of symptoms of intestinal cancer in women is the same as that of men, except for the individual structure of the internal organs of the patient.
The most common symptom is blood in the stool. This phenomenon can occur in cases of hemorrhoids, so you can find out their exact cause only by going through the examination. Suspicion should also cause persistent intestinal problems. In the event that diarrhea or constipation occurs for 2 weeks, or both of these conditions constantly alternate, you need to see a doctor. Based on the results of the patient's tests and complaints, the doctor diagnoses intestinal cancer.
As for pain in bowel cancer, arising in the anus and abdomen, this is a rare symptom. If the tumor provokes obstruction or blockage of the intestine, nausea, constipation, vomiting and bloating may appear. If the disease has spread to other organs, then there are symptoms such as a sharp loss of body weight or jaundice.
Often with cancer of the intestine, metastases occur. They develop in most cases almost immediately after the tumor. Metastasis is a secondary focus of malignant formation in the lymph nodes, spine, liver and lungs.
Treatment of bowel cancer
Treatment for bowel cancer directly depends on the general condition of the patient and the stage of the disease. Virtually every person with this diagnosis needs surgical intervention.
Its main types include:
- removal of the tumor affected by the tumor;
- truncation of the diseased portion of the intestine;
- resection, in which the colostomy is removed.
Great attention is paid to nutrition in bowel cancer: a special diet is needed. After the surgery, the patient can eat only easily digestible, high-quality food, rich in nutrients and vitamins.
As a preventive measure, bowel cancer should be included in your diet:
- fruit and berries (oranges, watermelon, strawberries);
- vegetables (tomatoes, pumpkin, eggplant, turnip);
- nuts;
- fish and seaweed;
- Brussels sprouts;
- green tea.
You also need to lead an active lifestyle and more to walk in the fresh air.