On 24/7, Medlatec General Hospital reported a case of a 63-year-old woman who had been experiencing bowel irregularities for three years. Attributing her symptoms to common digestive issues, she didn't seek medical attention. Recently, she developed a dull pain in her lower abdomen, accompanied by loose stools mixed with blood and mucus, prompting her to visit the hospital. A colonoscopy revealed a 4 cm tumor obstructing two-thirds of her rectum. The tumor was firm and bled easily upon contact.
A biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, a type of rectal cancer. The patient was counseled about her condition and treatment options.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer globally, accounting for nearly 10% of new cancer cases and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, there were approximately 1.93 million new cases and nearly 940,000 deaths worldwide. By 2040, these numbers are projected to rise to 3.2 million new cases and over 1.6 million deaths annually.
Globocan 2022 data shows that Vietnam records 16,835 new cases and 8,454 deaths from CRC each year, making it the fourth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. This serious disease is also affecting younger populations.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Ngat, from the Digestive Center, explains that various risk factors can contribute to CRC. Dietary factors, such as high consumption of red meat and animal fat, low fiber intake, and deficiencies in vitamins A, B, C, E, and calcium, play a role. Foods containing benzopyrene and nitrosamine are also potential carcinogens.
Precancerous conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and colorectal polyps also increase the risk. Genetic factors also significantly influence the development of CRC.
Early detection of CRC often allows for complete removal through endoscopy or surgical resection. Regular check-ups with a gastroenterologist, even in the absence of symptoms, are crucial for prevention and early treatment.
Individuals aged 40 and above, or those with risk factors (family history, polyps, chronic colitis), should undergo regular screening, including colonoscopies and fecal occult blood tests. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for prevention. This includes a diet rich in vegetables and fiber, limiting red meat and processed foods, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, managing weight, and increasing physical activity.
Thuy Quynh
