The secret of advanced colorectal cancer: Why do most patients miss the early signs?

As a common malignant tumor, colorectal cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide. Sadly, many colorectal cancer patients are already in the late stage when they are discovered. What is the reason behind this? How can we be more vigilant and detect colorectal cancer early?

The hidden nature of colorectal cancer

In the early stages of colorectal cancer, there are often no obvious symptoms, or the symptoms are very mild and easy to be ignored. For example, mild abdominal pain, occasional constipation or diarrhea may be mistaken for common gastrointestinal discomfort.

Lack of awareness of regular physical examinations

Regular physical examinations are the key to early detection of colorectal cancer. However, many people rarely undergo intestinal-related examinations, such as colonoscopy, due to lack of health awareness or neglect of the importance of physical examinations.

Ignoring signs of body changes

When there are some unusual changes in the body, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits, many people may choose to endure or self-medicate instead of seeking medical attention in time.

Limitations of bowel cancer screening

Although colorectal cancer screening can increase the chances of early detection, current screening methods may have certain limitations, such as false negative results, causing patients to relax their vigilance.

Genetic factors and lifestyle influences

Genetic factors and unhealthy lifestyles, such as long-term high-fat diet, lack of exercise, smoking and drinking, may increase the risk of bowel cancer. The long-term effects of these factors may unknowingly exacerbate the development of the disease.

Uneven distribution of medical resources

In some areas, due to limited medical resources, colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis may not be popular or timely enough, causing patients to miss the best time for early detection and treatment.

The importance of raising bowel cancer awareness

Raising public awareness of colorectal cancer and understanding its risk factors and early symptoms is the key to increasing early detection rates. Through education and publicity, people can be better able to identify abnormal signals from the body.

Promote a healthy lifestyle

Promoting a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and also help improve the overall health of the body.

Regular bowel cancer screening

For high-risk groups, such as adults over the age of 50, regular colorectal cancer screening is very important. This includes methods such as fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy.

The late detection of colorectal cancer is the result of multiple factors, including the hidden nature of the disease, lack of awareness of physical examinations, and limitations of screening. By raising awareness, advocating a healthy lifestyle, and increasing investment in medical resources, we can increase the early detection rate of colorectal cancer and gain more treatment opportunities for patients. Let us work together to protect intestinal health and protect life.