[Click! Health] Enjoying High-Calorie Foods Increases Risk of Colon Cancer

Professor Jin Kim, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Korea University Anam Hospital. [Image source=Korea University Anam Hospital]

Office worker Mr. A (54, male) usually relieved work stress with alcohol and high-calorie foods. One day, he experienced repeated symptoms of constipation and diarrhea, visited a hospital, and was diagnosed with colorectal cancer after a colonoscopy.

According to the 2021 cancer registration statistics released by the National Cancer Information Center, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in South Korea (11.8%), following thyroid cancer (12.7%). In particular, in 2021, the number of cases increased significantly by 4,471 (15.5%). Recent studies suggest that colorectal cancer risk can increase due to various factors such as excessive intake of animal fats and proteins from processed and red meats, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of physical activity.

Colorectal cancer is a general term for colon cancer and rectal cancer. Prognosis and treatment methods differ depending on the specific location. Colon cancer is divided into right-sided colon cancer and left-sided colon cancer based on the tumor location. Symptoms vary according to the cancer’s location and stage, and sometimes typical symptoms or no symptoms appear, so maintaining consistent attention is important.

Right-sided colon cancer refers to tumors occurring in the right colon. In the early stages, there are often no symptoms or common symptoms such as loss of appetite, indigestion, anemia, and weight loss. When the cancer progresses enough to block the colon, patients may complain of constipation or diarrhea, and in 10% of cases, a mass can be felt in the abdomen. Left-sided colon cancer occurs in the left colon. Changes in bowel habits are the main symptoms. Constipation and pain often accompany it, and bloody stools are more common than in right-sided colon cancer.

Rectal cancer occurs in the rectal area and may present with mucous bloody stools or diarrhea. When the cancer is close to the anus, patients may feel pain during bowel movements or have difficulty passing stool.

Treatment for colorectal cancer is primarily surgical. Especially for rectal cancer, since it is very close to the anal sphincter, preserving anal function during surgery is crucial. The rectum temporarily stores stool before it is excreted through the anus, so if anal function cannot be preserved during surgery, a stoma (an opening in the abdomen for stool discharge) must be created, requiring the patient to wear a pouch to collect waste.

Recently, advances in surgical techniques, including robotic surgery known as advanced medical technology, 3D laparoscopy combining general laparoscopy with 3D imaging, and double-jointed laparoscopes that improve space access, have enabled not only the primary goal of complete cancer removal but also the preservation of anal function to maintain patients’ quality of life.

Professor Jin Kim of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Korea University Anam Hospital said, "Robotic surgery and 3D laparoscopy allow surgery with a sense of distance similar to actual vision, enabling precise operations. Especially for rectal cancer, surgery must be performed within the narrow pelvis, and robotic surgery or double-jointed laparoscopy can secure the space accessible to surgical instruments."

Colorectal cancer detected at an early stage such as stage 1 or 2 has a cure rate exceeding 90%, but survival rates decrease if recurrence occurs, making regular check-ups and treatment essential. For three years after surgery, patients should undergo examinations including tumor marker tests and abdominal and chest CT scans every 3 to 6 months. Continuous follow-up can detect 80% of recurrent colorectal cancers within two years.

Professor Kim advised, "High-calorie foods can cause weight gain and obesity, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. Consuming fiber-rich foods regularly can improve intestinal health and reduce exposure time to carcinogens, thereby lowering colorectal cancer risk. Managing health through at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.