High-risk factors for colorectal cancer

In the 1970s, about 10 people out of 100,000 had colorectal cancer, and since then the rate has increased by 10% each year, with higher incidence rates in economically developed areas. It cannot be ignored: the incidence of colorectal cancer is rising!

Colorectal cancer and its location

The human intestine is divided into the small intestine and the large intestine, the latter of which includes the colon and rectum (see figure). Cancers that grow in the rectum and colon are collectively called colorectal cancer. Among them, left-sided colon cancer (rectum, sigmoid colon and descending colon) accounts for 75%, right-sided colon cancer accounts for 20%, and transverse colon cancer accounts for only 5%. Rectal cancer has the highest incidence rate, accounting for about 6% of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer and age of onset

Colorectal cancer occurs mostly in people aged 41 to 60 (the first peak period), followed by people under 40 (the second peak period), and the incidence is lower in people over 61 (the third peak period). The second peak period for colorectal cancer is mostly concentrated in the age group of 25 to 35, so young people cannot ignore colorectal cancer.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer

1. Long-term constipation: The longer the feces stay in the large intestine, the greater the adverse effects of the carcinogens in it on the intestinal mucosa.

2. Long-term loose stools There are many reasons for loose stools, one of which is colon polyps. If polyps are not discovered for a long time, they can ulcerate and turn into cancer. The longer the loose stools last, the more necessary it is to have a colonoscopy.

3. High-protein, high-fat diets: The metabolic products of these foods in the body can easily induce cell malignancy and cause colorectal cancer.

4. Long-term suffering from inflammatory bowel disease Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. If it is not treated properly for a long time and the disease recurs multiple times, those with a course of disease of more than 8 years should be alert to the occurrence of colorectal cancer.

5. Family history of colorectal cancer People of all ages with a family history of this disease should always pay attention to the appearance of colorectal cancer symptoms.

6. Colorectal polyps About 80% of colorectal cancer comes from colorectal polyps. Patients with colorectal polyps must undergo colonoscopy regularly.

7. Hemorrhoidal bleeding. Some patients with hemorrhoidal bleeding have polyps or tumors in the large intestine above the anus. If only the bleeding symptoms are noted during diagnosis, important diseases in the large intestine may be missed! It is recommended that anyone with hemorrhoidal bleeding must go to the gastroenterology department of the hospital for a colonoscopy in the near future.