Three-level prevention measures for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that seriously threatens human life and health. Epidemiological survey data worldwide show that the incidence of colorectal cancer ranks third among all types of malignant tumors. In recent years, with the development of the economy and the improvement of people's living standards, the incidence of colorectal cancer has shown an increasing trend year by year. Therefore, the significance of colorectal cancer prevention is becoming more and more important.

1. Primary prevention

Reduce and eliminate the pathogenic factors of colorectal cancer and inhibit the carcinogenic process of normal cells.

1. Diet adjustment

Although colorectal cancer has a certain genetic tendency, the vast majority of sporadic colorectal cancers are closely related to environmental factors, especially dietary factors. Dietary intervention can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer.

①Energy intake Energy intake is related to the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Most studies have shown that total energy intake is related to the risk of colorectal cancer, regardless of whether the energy intake is protein, fat or carbohydrates. Reducing energy intake may reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer.

②Fat and red meat The occurrence of colorectal cancer is closely related to animal fat and meat. Studies have shown that women with a high-fat diet have a 32% higher risk of colorectal cancer than women with a low-fat diet. The intake of red meat is a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer. Reducing the fat content in food, especially eating less brown meat after frying or grilling, can contribute to the occurrence of colorectal cancer.

③Fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber cellulose can increase stool volume, dilute carcinogens in the colon, and absorb bile salts, thereby reducing the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Therefore, in daily diet, you should try to consume more vegetables, fruits, and cellulose, eat a reasonable diet, and reduce the occurrence of colorectal cancer.

④ Vitamins and trace elements Studies have shown that supplementing with vitamins A, C, and E can transform the excessive proliferation of colon epithelium in patients with adenoma back to normal, but current data do not support the use of antioxidant vitamins to prevent colorectal cancer. The relationship between trace elements and colorectal cancer is not well studied at present. Folic acid can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, but the specific mechanism is unclear.

⑤ Dietary anti-carcinogens: The sulfides contained in garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots; the terpenes contained in citrus fruits; the plant phenols contained in grapes, strawberries, and apples; and the carotene contained in carrots, yam, and watermelon are all considered to be able to inhibit mutations and have anti-cancer effects. Garlic in particular has been shown to be the vegetable with the strongest protective effect against distal colon cancer.

2. Change your lifestyle

① Exercise, especially abdominal type, is an independent risk factor for colorectal cancer. Too little physical activity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Physical activity can affect colon peristalsis and facilitate the discharge of feces, thereby achieving the effect of preventing colorectal cancer.

② Smoking The relationship between smoking and colorectal cancer is not yet very certain, but it has been confirmed that smoking is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma. Current research believes that smoking is a stimulating factor for the production of colorectal cancer genes, but it takes about 40 years to take effect.

③ Alcohol intake is related to colorectal cancer. Alcohol is also a risk factor for colorectal adenoma, but the specific reason is unclear. Reducing alcohol intake is helpful in preventing colorectal cancer.

④ Reproductive factors Hormones and reproductive factors may affect the occurrence of colorectal cancer. American studies have shown that the incidence of colorectal cancer in single women is higher than that in married women. Some people believe that this is related to the fact that hormones can affect bile salt metabolism.

3. Medication

Many epidemiological studies have shown that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer. Taking low-dose aspirin 10 to 15 times a month can reduce the relative risk of colorectal cancer by 40% to 50%. However, there are also studies that do not support this statement, and the dosage, duration of use, and side effects caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also need further research.

4. Treatment of precancerous lesions

The incidence of colorectal cancer is significantly increased in patients with colorectal adenoma and ulcerative colitis. Through census and follow-up, early removal of adenoma and treatment of colitis can reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Especially for those with a family history, genetic testing, screening of high-risk groups, and colonoscopy are important aspects of colorectal cancer prevention.

2. Secondary prevention

Secondary prevention of tumors means early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment to prevent or reduce tumor-induced deaths. The occurrence and development of colorectal cancer is a relatively long process. It is estimated that it takes 10 to 15 years from precancerous lesions to invasive cancer, which provides an opportunity for early lesions to be discovered through screening. Screening is an important means of secondary prevention.

(III) Tertiary prevention

Level 3 prevention actively treats cancer patients to improve their quality of life and prolong their survival. Currently, surgery is the main treatment for colorectal cancer patients, supplemented by appropriate radiotherapy, chemotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and immunotherapy to improve the treatment effect of colorectal cancer.