Prevention, management, and lifestyle guidelines for colon cancer: the importance of health check-ups

I would like to talk about the management and lifestyle guidelines for colon cancer, as well as the importance of endoscopic examinations. We will explore what early symptoms of colon cancer can be overlooked or missed, how to maintain a healthy colon through regular management, and the significance of health screenings, especially endoscopic examinations.

 

A few years ago, my friend's father passed away due to colon cancer. Because he had a difficult experience during a health screening endoscopy, he kept postponing his health checkups. Eventually, the cancer progressed rapidly, and it was only discovered at an advanced stage, leading to his passing.

 

Cancer is naturally frightening, and colon cancer is also undoubtedly a scary cancer, but colon cancer is considered manageable because it can be regularly monitored through endoscopic examinations during health checkups. Colon cancer accounts for a high proportion of all cancers in the country, ranking fourth in incidence. Early detection and removal of colon polyps, which are one of the main causes of colon cancer, can prevent the disease.

 

Colon polyps are abnormal growths of the colon mucosa that protrude into the inside of the colon. Most are benign, but over time they can develop into malignancies. In particular, 'adenomatous polyps' are considered precursors to colon cancer, and since it takes 5 to 10 years for adenomas to develop into colon cancer, early detection and removal of adenomas can largely prevent progression to cancer.

 

 

Therefore, endoscopic examination during health checkups is an essential preventive measure against colon cancer, so it must be done. Experts recommend that adults aged 45 to 50 and older undergo regular colonoscopy examinations. Recently, advances in endoscopic equipment and techniques have made it possible to safely remove large polyps and early-stage cancers, which underscores the importance of regular screenings.

 

Follow-up examinations are also important. If you have removed one or two small polyps less than 1cm in size, it is sufficient to have a follow-up endoscopy after 5 years. However, if three or more adenomas have been removed or if any are larger than 1cm, it is recommended to undergo additional examinations after 3 years. Please keep track of your screening date accordingly.

 

 

Regular endoscopic examinations and lifestyle management are important. Things to avoid include greasy foods, excessive consumption of processed meats, and stress. Reduce intake of these, and consume plenty of fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. It is also good to maintain regular exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and manage stress to take care of your health.