This is a real case.
Female, 35 years old, very feminine.
On this day, she came to the clinic a little embarrassed and whispered to me:
Lately I've always had the feeling that it's not clean after pooping.
And it has gradually worsened recently, which is particularly awkward.
What am I going to do?
At first, I just thought that it was probably just a simple rectal or ** inflammatory irritation.
After all, the skin is white and beautiful, and it seems that it has nothing to do with cancer.
And the reality slapped him in the face.
Colonoscopy is highly suggestive of rectal cancer involving the anal canal.
The pathological results showed: rectal adenocarcinoma!
In the end, although the operation was successful, it was unfortunate that ** was not saved.
In desperation, I could only make a stoma in my abdomen in the end.
Although this patient is just an isolated case, it is enough to give us a warning.
Poop, which we experience every day, is actually a "mirror" of our health.
By observing the changes in the stool, we can learn about the health of the body.
Some people say that bleeding in the stool is the most direct symptom of colorectal cancer.
In fact, it is very wrong!
If you rely solely on blood in the stool to determine whether it is colorectal cancer, you often miss the best time for examination.
1. Changes in the frequency and shape of stools
Under normal circumstances, the frequency of bowel movements will vary from person to person, which is affected by factors such as diet, lifestyle habits, etc.
However, if you have a sudden increase or decrease in the frequency of your stools, or if the shape of your stools suddenly becomes elongated and flat, it could be a sign of a tumour in your bowel.
Because the presence of a tumor can irritate the intestines, causing changes in the frequency and shape of stools.
In particular, tumors close to the anal canal can easily be misdiagnosed as proctitis and cause a feeling of tenesmus, which can easily be missed or misdiagnosed.
Second, the stool is loose and unformed
Normal stools should be formed, if you find that your stools become loose and unformed, it may be a problem with intestinal function.
Impaired bowel function can lead to a large amount of water in the stool, making the stool runny.
In addition, intestinal infections, inflammatory bowel disease, etc., can also cause this symptom.
If symptoms of loose stools persist, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
3. The stool has an obvious odor
The smell of stool is usually caused by food, bacteria, and metabolites in the intestines.
However, if the stool gives off a distinct, unbearable odor, it may be the result of an imbalance of bacteria in the intestines or an infection.
Some cancer patients may experience an increase in stool odor, which may be caused by necrosis and decay of tumor tissue.
Therefore, if you find that the stool odor is obvious, you should pay attention to it and seek medical attention in time.
4. Constipation alternates with diarrhea
Constipation and diarrhea are two opposite stool symptoms that do not normally alternate.
If you find yourself alternating with constipation and diarrhea, it could be a sign of intestinal dysfunction.
However, in addition to intestinal dysfunction, in some cancer patients, due to the tumor invading the intestine, the intestinal function may be affected, and the symptoms of constipation and diarrhea may alternate.
Therefore, once this symptom appears, you should seek medical attention in time to rule out the risk of cancer.
Don't assume that you're lucky.
Although the causes of colon cancer are not fully understood, studies have shown that some lifestyle and dietary factors may be associated with the risk of colon cancer.
1.Eat a healthy diet
Diet is very important for colon cancer prevention.
It's a cliché, but it's useful.
It is recommended to increase your intake of fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes to promote bowel movements and reduce constipation.
At the same time, reduce your intake of foods such as high-fat, high-sugar, and processed meats, as these foods may increase the burden on your gut and lead to cancer.
Eating as healthy as possible can maintain a good microenvironment in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the risk of cancer as much as possible.
2.Control your weight
Obesity is a risk factor for colon cancer. Weight control through diet and exercise can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
3.Exercise
Moderate exercise can help boost immunity and reduce the risk of colon cancer. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, running, cycling, etc.
4.Quit smoking and limit alcohol.
Smoking increases the risk of colon cancer, and drinking too much alcohol may also increase the risk of developing the disease.
Therefore, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol is one of the important measures to prevent colon cancer.
5.Positive ** intestinal diseases
Why actively ** gastroenterology?
Because some intestinal diseases, such as intestinal polyps, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, may increase the risk of colon cancer.
It is necessary to scientifically and actively rectify these diseases and try to cure them as much as possible, so as to reduce the risk of cancer as much as possible.
Is there a way to detect colorectal cancer early?
There is, and the only way, colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is one of the most effective ways to screen for early-stage colon cancer.
To reiterate:
If there is no physical examination for gastrointestinal endoscopy, they are all hooligans at the expense of health.
Dietary modification promptly** Regular physical examinations.
Only by doing these three things well, colon cancer is far, far away from us.
I hope today's sharing can help you in your confusion.