The Department of Medical Services, through the National Cancer Institute, points out warning signs that colon and rectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in many countries around. The world due to changing lifestyles. It is recommended to avoid high-fat foods, fast foods, charred grilled foods, foods made from reused frying oil, and processed meats.
Causes of Colon and Rectal Cancer
Colon cancer begins with the formation of polyps in the colon and develops into cancer, taking about 10-15 years. Colon and rectal cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Symptoms only appear when the disease has advanced to the final stage. Which results in ineffective treatment.
Why is colon and rectal cancer so common in Thai people?
Dr. Somsak Arkhansilp, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, said that in Thailand, colon and rectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common in women. Estimates in 2018 show that there will be around 13,000 new patients and around 5,000 deaths.
Dr. Jinda Rojanamethin, Director of the National Cancer Institute, added that the lifestyle of Thai people has changed a lot from the past, especially consumption behaviors, such as high-fat foods, fast foods, which are more popular. Eating grilled food that is burnt, food cooked in reused oil, and processed meat are important risk factors for the disease. In addition, there are other risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise, being overweight,ยูฟ่าเบท and having a family history or own intestinal polyps.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer
Common symptoms of colon and rectal cancer include:
- Constipation alternating with diarrhea
- Frequent bowel movements
- Not fully filmed
- Mucus or blood in the stool, or fresh blood in the stool
- Fecal tract size is reduced
- Have symptoms of stomach pain, stomach tightness, bloating, colic, etc.
Home chemotherapy: A New Normal Cancer Treatment
Obstacles in cancer treatment are that most hospitals do not have enough beds. Patients who need to receive chemotherapy must stay in the hospital every time. Sometimes, patients receive treatment that is not in accordance with the drug schedule and lacks continuity. The Department of Medical Services, Ramathibodi Hospital, along with various hospitals under the Ministry of Public Health, university hospitals, and the National Health Security Office have jointly promoted the policy of providing chemotherapy at home (Home chemotherapy) as a benefit package for colorectal cancer patients since July 2020.
This allows patients to receive treatment on time, effectively, and with better physical and mental health results. It was also found that providing chemotherapy at home costs less than providing chemotherapy at the hospital. Home chemotherapy treatment is considered a development of a new medical service model, or the “New Normal of Medical Service” for cancer patients.
Tips to reduce the risk of “Colon and Rectal Cancer”
- Reduce high-fat animal foods, grilled foods, and various fast foods.
- Reduce fried foods, especially those fried in reused oil.
- Reduce your consumption of processed meats such as sausages, sun-dried meat, etc.
- Eat foods that contain more fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, brown rice, etc.
- Quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake.
- Maintain a standard weight
- Exercise regularly
How to prevent colon and rectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that can be screened for early stage cancer. Resulting in effective treatment and high chance of recovery. People aged 50 years and older should be screened for colorectal cancer by checking for occult blood in the stool once a year. If abnormal, a colonoscopy should be performed. If polyps or abnormalities are found in the colon, the doctor will perform a biopsy of the area for further diagnosis.