Gen B or Baby Boomer is a group of individuals aged 50 and above, a stage in life where the body requires screening for organ deterioration to identify risks of developing various diseases and prepare for timely care to reduce the progression to severe diseases.
It is unfortunate that most Thai people often detect cancer too late, usually in the final stages of the disease, often only seeking examination when symptoms appear, which results in finding large or advanced cancer.
In reality, we can screen for colon cancer even before there are any symptoms. By detecting small growths called polyps, which can be removed early, the risk of colon cancer can be reduced.
In Thailand, colorectal cancer ranks 3rd among all cancers. There are statistical reports from the National Cancer Institute in 2004 showing that this cancer has the 3rd highest incidence in men and 5th in women, with an average age of incidence from 50 years and above, and colon cancer being more prevalent than rectal cancer.
Who is at risk and should be screened for colon cancer?
- Aged over 50 years
- Family history of colon cancer or polyps
- Frequent consumption of high-risk foods such as high-fat, red meat, low-fiber diets (Low-fiber, high-fat diet.)
- Alcohol consumption, chronic smoking
- Obesity, overweight
- Patients with a history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
If you have these symptoms, observe yourself as you may be at risk for colon cancer
– Constipation alternating with diarrhea
– Blood in stool
– Persistent abdominal pain, bloating, unresponsive to medication
– Palpable lump in the abdomen
– Narrowing of stool
– Incomplete bowel movements, as if something is blocking the rectum
– Unexplained weight loss
If you feel that you have risky behaviors and lifestyles as mentioned above, you can undergo cancer screening through various methods Click for more advice
Methods for cancer screening
- Colonoscopy, which is the most accurate method [standard]
- Annual digital rectal examination (DRE)
- Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT), FIT (fecal immunochemical test)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Double-contrast barium enema with intervals to inflate air, while performing special radiological x-ray examinations of the colon every 5-10 years
Regardless, changing behaviors, particularly eating a nutritious and hygienic diet, remains crucial for Gen B to maintain health and slow down the deterioration of various organs in the body, especially through annual health check-ups and colon cancer screening programs.
- Avoid high-fat foods, red meat, nutritionally worthless junk food that provides too much energy
- Abstain from alcoholic beverages and smoking
- Maintain normal body weight
- Consume fibrous foods and drink 1-1.5 liters of water daily to prevent constipation
- Regularly observe bowel movements
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center
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