NOVEMBER 11, 2014 BY SOLAADE AYO-ADERELE
Cancer has become a concern in recent times, considering the way and manner people have been coming down with the various forms of the disease, be it breast, prostate, lung or other forms of cancer.
Cancer knows no boundary in terms of gender, age, nationality or race. It afflicts the rich and the poor. Consequently, no one is spared the agony of this disease, whether as a patient or as care giver.
One form of cancer that researchers are now reexamining is the colon cancer. It suddenly became a big issue as physicians are seeing it among young adults aged between 20 and 34 years on the one hand, as well as those in the age group of 35 to 49 years.
Professor of Oncology at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Remi Ajekigbe, notes that this cancer was thought to be a disease of aged people; consequently, on the average, people are not usually advised to test for this cancer until they hit age 50 and over. Even at that, there may have to be reasonable suspicion as to warrant that medical counsel, unless you stand a high risk for it. The story is gradually changing, though.
The colon
Biologist, Muyiwa Atiba, says the colon, also known as the large intestine, is part of our digestive system. The digestive system enables you to eat and also to use the food you eat to fuel your body.
“As the food travels from the mouth into the esophagus, from where it is transferred into the small bowel, after which it finds its way into the colon, it undergoes complex biological processes that take the inherent nutrients to other organs in the body. The body uses these nutrients to repair cells and tissue and thus keep us going. The leftover, which is mostly liquid, then moves into the colon.
“The water is absorbed in the colon, while bacteria in the colon break down the remaining material. Then the colon moves the leftover material into the rectum, and you eventually pass it out as faeces,” Atiba explains.
As simple as these processes seem, when the colon has issues, everything will fall into disarray. “If your colon isn’t working the way it should, you will experience problems such as bloating, gas and pain,” Atiba says.
Experts say that, with a damaged colon, small growths, known as polyps, can also develop; while toxins from the food can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream instead of eliminated. As a result, disease-causing bacteria and yeast may proliferate in the colon, leading to an extensive array of medical conditions, one of which is colon cancer.
Damage to colon
Physicians say the colon can suffer damage due to wrong dietary habits and environmental chemicals that one may be exposed to. In some advanced countries such as the United States of America, scientists say, colon cancer has become the third commonest cancer, while it is also a leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths.
As with other cancers, Ajekigbe says colon cancer and death as a result are preventable with lifestyle changes and proper screening, especially beginning from age 50 if you are low risk. “It is one of the most treatable cancers if doctors detect it early,” researchers assure.
Colon cancer
Ajekigbe notes that most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas — that is tumors that develop from the glands lining the colon’s inner wall. They may proceed through the colon wall to involve the adjacent lymph nodes and organs, ultimately spreading to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, brain and bones. Scary, isn’t it?
When it affects the end portion of the colon (rectum), it is called colorectal cancer. Statistics show that deaths from colorectal cancer rank third after lung and prostate cancer for men and third after lung and breast cancer for women.
The way out
Despite the scare about cancers, experts maintain that just like any other debilitating disease, colon or colorectal cancer is preventable. How can you help yourself? For one, physicians say a healthy body weight is important, as obesity has been described as a risk factor in developing colon cancer. The same thing for smoking. Other ways you can reduce your risk and possible live colon cancer-free are as follow…
Don’t postpone visits to restroom
Physicians say if you feel a bowel movement coming, head for the bathroom and let it go. If you try to hold it in, built-up faecal matter can release toxins into your body, which has the potential to cause diverticulosis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. “Regular bowel movement is one of the ways your colon keeps itself clean and healthy,” physicians counsel.
Stay hydrated
Inadequate hydration can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body. “As those toxins accumulate, the risk for constipation, bloating, gas, IBS and fatigue increases,” says Dr. Doris Bolarinwa, a family physician. “Drinking adequate water at regular intervals throughout the day will cleanse your body,” she adds.
Under colonoscopy
Ajekigbe says colonoscopy is essential in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer, especially for persons over age 50. “Also, ask your doctor about a colonoscopy if you are experiencing on-going diarrhea or constipation, as these can be signs of colon and intestinal problems. It can aid in proper diagnosis of your condition,” Bolarinwa adds.
Cleansing your colon
The Medical Director of Mart Life Detox Centre, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, says there are natural ways to keep your colon clean, by undergoing natural colon-cleansing treatments on offer at the centre.
Exercise
Researchers say exercise significantly reduces the risk of developing pre-cancerous colon polyps, and therefore may have an important role in colon cancer prevention. Activities such as running, cycling, walking, tennis or dancing, boost the immune system, lower inflammation and reduce insulin levels.
Eliminate processed meats
Processed meats such as salami, hotdog, sausages, beef patties, chicken/beef nuggets, meat loaf, corned beef, etc., are to be avoided like a plague, as eating them has repeatedly been linked to colon cancer, according to the scientists at the World Cancer Research Fund.
And instead of frying, broiling or grilling your meat, the researchers suggest healthier options such as steaming and poaching.
Eat cruciferous vegetables
Vegetables are superfoods when it comes to protecting against cancer. Not only are they a natural source of fibre that decreases colon cancer risk, they also contain specific cancer-fighting phytonutrients.
These include vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower and bok choy, which contain sulfur compounds known as glucosinolates. They may also help reduce DNA damage to your colorectal cells caused by eating meat cooked at high temperatures, experts advise.
Have healthy Vitamin D levels
Vitamin D deficiency can impact colon function. Researchers say adequate vitamin D has been associated with healthy colon function and supports healthy immune function by helping the colon with its screening in protecting the body.
Other strategies …
Limit sugar, refined grains and alcohol; and consider a natural detoxification to rid your body of toxins, giving it a chance to rest and repair.
source: punch
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