Discover the Top 9 Factors Leading to Colorectal Cancer You Shouldn't Overlook

Colorectal cancer can affect individuals of all ages, but those above 50 are at a higher risk. As age increases, the body undergoes aging, with weakened immunity creating conditions for harmful bacteria to attack and cause the disease.

In Vietnam, the incidence of colorectal cancer is higher in men than women, with an average of 13 out of 100,000 people affected. A concerning trend is the increasing youthfulness of colorectal cancer, supported by recent studies indicating a 1% rise in the age group of 20-35 and a 0.5% increase in the 35-49 age group.

The colon or large intestine is the last segment of the body's digestive system. It plays a vital role in absorbing water from food and expelling waste. Dietary habits significantly influence the formation and development of colorectal cancer. Regular consumption of high-fiber foods (red meat), grilled or smoked processed foods, cholesterol-rich meals, canned foods, and a lack of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can slow digestion. Metabolites from these foods in the stool can harm the intestinal lining, leading to colorectal cancer.

Excessive consumption of fatty foods can lead to obesity, and individuals with obesity have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than those with normal weight.

Colorectal polyps are small clusters of cells that form on the lining of the large intestine (colon). While most colorectal polyps are harmless, over time, some can evolve into colorectal cancer, leading to fatal outcomes if detected in its late stages. The colon can have one or multiple polyps, and anyone can develop colorectal polyps.

Colorectal polyps often show no symptoms. Regular screening, such as colonoscopy, is crucial because detecting colorectal polyps in the early stages allows for complete and safe removal. The most effective prevention for colorectal cancer is regular polyp screening.

Early detection and removal can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 90%. This is one of the prevalent causes of colorectal cancer today, so it's essential to take note.

If parents have colorectal cancer, their children face a 2-3 times higher risk of developing the disease. The risk increases if multiple family members are diagnosed with the condition, especially in families with a history of polyps, where members may have hundreds of polyps in the colon.

Studies by experts indicate there are no effective measures to limit or prevent genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer. In the United States, genetic testing is used to identify high-risk cancer genes. However, this method is not yet applied in Vietnam, so individuals with family members affected by colorectal cancer should seek advice from experts.

Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than the general population. Inflammatory bowel diseases reduce the absorption capacity of the colon, allowing toxic substances to accumulate in the colon. These toxic substances can damage the colonic mucosa, leading to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Therefore, if you have a history of these diseases, early and comprehensive treatment is crucial. Otherwise, they may become a potential cause of colorectal cancer.

In Vietnam, the prevalence of alcohol and beer consumption is on the rise, especially among men. Observably, numerous bars and liquor establishments have emerged everywhere, leading to an increasing trend in alcohol-related diseases, notably colorectal cancer. However, there is still a lack of awareness and understanding of this issue.

Excessive alcohol consumption alters the activity of the autonomic nervous system, disrupting the peristalsis of the digestive tract. This leads to the loss of the protective mucus layer in the colon, disturbs the balance of gut bacteria, and alters the biochemical processes of absorption and excretion in the colon. Consequently, the primary functions of the colon are disrupted, causing impaired water and electrolyte absorption, resulting in diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements, and inflammatory bowel disease. If not treated effectively, inflammatory bowel disease can easily progress to colorectal cancer.

Due to the dangerous impact of alcohol consumption on health, it is essential to be conscious and refrain from alcohol and beer consumption to avoid digestive-related diseases in general and colorectal cancer in particular.

In today's Vietnam, due to the rapid development of social media, people spend a significant amount of time browsing the web, watching movies, chatting online, and even shopping online. This has a considerable impact on daily physical activity habits. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of lurking diseases.

Experts recommend dedicating at least 30 minutes daily to physical activities to enhance energy metabolism and metabolic processes. Regular daily exercise helps maintain a flexible body and strengthens the body's immune system. Start incorporating small habits into your life, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to work instead of riding a motorbike, etc. Additionally, engaging in sports or recreational activities like yoga, running, badminton, and more can contribute to overall health.

Several medical conditions are linked to the development of colorectal cancer. Patients with diabetes, breast cancer, and cervical cancer are health factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer. For instance, research synthesizing results from 14 international studies revealed that individuals with type 2 diabetes have a 14% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than those without the disease.

People with diabetes have elevated blood glucose levels, and reduced immunity provides favorable conditions for bacteria that cause inflammation and infection in the colon. Untreated infectious foci of inflammation may progress to tumor formation, leading to cancer.

In our country, the smoking rate is approximately 47.7% for males and 1.4% for females, ranking 15th in the world for the highest prevalence of smoking.

When you smoke or inhale cigarette smoke, the nicotine and other carcinogens present in cigarettes systematically spread in the body, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, smokers have a 30-40% higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to non-smokers. Additionally, smoking also leads to lung cancer, stomach cancer, and bronchial cancer.

Therefore, individuals using tobacco should quit this habit to enhance their health for themselves, their families, and the community.