Primary 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, so the significance of colorectal cancer prevention is becoming more and more important.

1. Primary prevention reduces and eliminates the pathogenic factors of colorectal cancer and inhibits the cancerous transformation of normal cells. It mainly includes the following aspects:

(1) Dietary 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.

(2) Change your lifestyle habits: ① Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, 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 excretion of feces, thereby preventing colorectal cancer. ② The relationship between smoking and colorectal cancer is not yet certain, but it has been confirmed that smoking is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma. Current studies believe that smoking causes mutations in colorectal cancer genes, but it takes about 40 years to take effect. ③ Alcohol intake is related to colorectal cancer, but the specific reason is unclear. Reducing alcohol intake is beneficial for preventing colorectal cancer. ④ Hormones and reproductive factors may affect the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Studies in the United States 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 ability of hormones to affect bile salt metabolism.

(3) Drugs: Many epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of colorectal cancer is reduced in people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time. Taking a 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 adverse reactions caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also need further research.

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.

3. 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 and chemotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine treatment, and immunotherapy to improve the treatment effect of colorectal cancer.