Doctor Liang Chengchao, director of Hsing Chien Dazhi Health Management Clinic in Taipei, recently admitted several patients who developed the disease despite not having typical risk factors.
For example, a 38-year-old patient who ate a well-balanced diet, prioritizing vegetables daily, still discovered a malignant tumor in their intestines. Doctor Liang affirmed that this disease results from the interplay of genetics, environment, and lifestyle, rather than solely from habits like eating red meat or greasy foods.
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Illustrative photo: Curasia
A common mistake leading to late hospital admissions stems from confusing signs of gastrointestinal bleeding with hemorrhoids. A man in his 50s experienced bloody stools for several months but dismissed it as recurring hemorrhoids. When he finally sought medical examination, a distinct rectal tumor had already formed. The lesion's location near the anus caused the blood to remain bright red, similar to hemorrhoid symptoms, making patients less vigilant if they only observed it visually.
Intestinal tumors also subtly signal their presence through other bodily disturbances. Another patient noted significant weight loss over one year, accompanied by bloating and altered bowel habits. This individual mistakenly attributed their fatigue to work pressure and irregular routines, but a detailed examination confirmed rectal cancer.
The early stage of this disease progresses very subtly, showing almost no discernible signs. By the time the body begins to signal discomfort or pain, the disease has usually advanced. Individuals should seek medical attention immediately if they notice persistent abnormalities such as: flattened or thin stools, blood in stools, abdominal pain with bloating, a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, unexplained weight loss, or chronic fatigue.
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Doctor Liang Chengchao. Photo: Lin Chun-liang
Doctor Liang recommends that families with a history of digestive cancer or individuals in high-risk groups proactively undergo regular screenings. This practice allows medical professionals to intervene and remove pre-cancerous lesions before malignant cells can invade the body.
Binh Minh (According to SETN)
