Posted on: Tue 27-08-2013

In recent past, many young Nigerians have died or have been hospitalised due to colon cancer. We then ask the question, “why?”

Nobody likes to talk about bowel movements or cancer and nobody likes to get a colonoscopy; but according to the American Cancer Society, “colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.” So, that makes it worth talking about.

Even though some find it embarrassing, it is important to become knowledgeable about colon cancer and testing for it.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death and the third most common cancer in both sexes and the rates are rising alarmingly. This form of cancer doesn’t get the media attention that breast cancer, for example, does; but it is more common and just as deadly. Even when it doesn’t kill, the consequences of bowel surgery can compromise the quality of life.

Although a family history of colon cancer increases the risk of the disease, it is estimated that 75 per cent of colon cancers occur in people who are 50 or older who have no family history. Most colon cancers originate in polyps found in the colon. These polyps are usually benign (not cancerous), but can become cancerous. Having a lot of polyps in the colon is a risk factor for colon cancer.

A colonoscopy is a colon cancer screening test that checks for polyps in the colon and rectum. However, doctors tend not to recommend a colonoscopy as often as they should because of the embarrassment factor and because a colonoscopy is invasive and uncomfortable: a flexible tube with a tiny camera on it is inserted into the rectum and pushed up into the colon in order to look for polyps and other signs of cancer. There’s also an attachment that can snip off polyps if the doctor thinks this is necessary.

In spite of the discomfort and embarrassment associated with a colonoscopy, everyone should have one when they turn 50, 60 and 70 years old.

There is another way to test for colon cancer. It is not as direct a test as a colonoscopy and it is not a substitute for a colonoscopy, but it is one that more people are willing to do more often, particularly since it is inexpensive and easy to do.

One of the most common warning signs of colon cancer is blood in the stool. However, there may not be enough blood visible until colon cancer has advanced. That is where the EZ Detect test comes in. It is a simple, inexpensive test that can detect even very small amounts of blood in the stool, and it is available over the counter for home use. These types of tests are called Fecal occult blood tests

Colon cancer has a 90 to 95 per cent cure rate when caught early and there’s the catch. Many people have no symptoms until the cancer is advanced and that’s what makes it so deadly. Colon cancer is known as the “silent killer.”  Unfortunately, colon cancer rates are steadily rising.

Early diagnosis (prior to symptoms) could save 90 per cent of people who die of this cancer. Therefore, everybody should undertake early diagnostic screening tests.

If one waits until suggestive symptoms occur (blood in the stool, irregular bowel movements, pain, weight loss), the colon tumour is likely to have advanced and cure much less likely. Obviously, what is needed is a better, less intrusive, less expensive screening test for colon cancer.

The FOBT can detect hidden blood in the stool — one of the first symptoms of colon cancer; and they can be done at home once a year, more so if you have colon cancer in your family. But by far, our best option is prevention. Fortunately, we know a lot about prevention. Diet is probably most important; so, let’s take a closer look.

Role of good food

In a nutshell, to prevent colon cancer, we need to increase our fibre intake, eat a variety of fresh vegetables, maintain good levels of antioxidants, avoid processed foods, drink plenty of good water and get some exercise. All of these factors have shown up again and again as preventive measures in studies of colon cancer.

Exercise has also been shown to prevent colon cancer more than any other cancer.

The colon is also known as the large intestine and it is the last area of the digestive tract that waste matter passes through before elimination. It is where your body re-absorbs water and minerals for recycling and where it absorbs vitamin B12 as well as fat-soluble vitamins A and E. The bacteria in the colon manufacture vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting. Fibre is what keeps all of these processes moving along in the bowel.

Fibre refers to the indigestible residue of plants. It consists of complex carbohydrates that we are unable to digest. They encompass a wide variety of molecular structures that differ in their degree of solubility in water. They add to the bulk of bowel contents and stimulate the passage of waste matter through the colon.

Shorter transit times (time of ingestion of food until its elimination via defecation) are related to decreased incidence of colon cancer. In other words, constipation increases your risk of colon cancer and fibre prevents constipation. Drinking plenty water also helps to prevent constipation.

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