I am the servant of God - Shewaferaw Dessalegn

I am the servant of God - Shewaferaw Dessalegn.

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"March" is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

#Ethiopia | Colon cancer includes cancer of the small intestine: the large intestine and the rectum.

What is the situation in our country?

It is the first among newly diagnosed cancers in men and the third among women (after breast and cervical cancer).

In general, in our country, about 6050 new colon cancer patients were found in 2020 European calendar. This number is expected to increase in the coming years.

What are the risk factors for colon cancer?

1. Age 

The risk of colon cancer increases in people over 50 years of age, but currently, colon cancer is increasing in young people and adults. 

In a study conducted in a hospital in our country, 40% of colon cancer patients are under 40 years of age, which is very different from other countries in the world, and colon cancer is more common in adults in our country and sub-Saharan countries.

2. Family history

If colon cancer or cancer of another part of the body has occurred in the family, other family members are more likely to develop it in the future.

3. Precancerous growths in the colon (colonic polyps)

4. Genetic changes that predispose to cancer

5. Long-term inflammatory bowel disease

6. Eating animal products

7. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

8. Being overweight

9. Lack of physical activity

What are the symptoms?

Weight loss, bloating, difficulty passing stool and urine normally; rectal bleeding, feeling of incomplete evacuation and urgency after going to the toilet, frequent episodes of anemia, which can lead to complete obstruction of the intestine as the level increases. If the pain is in the rectum, there is an inability to control stool and urine.

What to do?

1. If you are over fifty years old or have risk factors or if you have the symptoms described above, do not hesitate and see a doctor immediately.

Unfortunately, most of our patients come to the doctor after symptoms of colon cancer appear, but they delay treatment and are in a state where it is impossible to cure. Common reasons for delay include repeated treatment for amoeba or anal warts or seeking alternative solutions.

2. If there are modifiable risk factors, correct them.

3. After the disease is diagnosed, consult a doctor and follow up on subsequent treatments properly.

Good morning!

Dr. Binyam Yohannes: General surgeon, colorectal surgeon