The disease can include the appearance of tumors in organs throughout the digestive system
THE early diagnosis of cancer is essential for treatment to be effective and have a greater chance of success. Therefore, identifying the disease early means having a greater chance of cure. Furthermore, a number of malignant tumors can be avoided if the disease is diagnosed early.
In Brazil, most of the common cancers are related to the digestive system. According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), the most common type of this device is colon, rectal, and stomach cancer. These demonstrations represent 6% and 3% of the total notifications in the country respectively.
Digestive cancer includes the appearance of tumors in organs throughout the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. Some of the most common types of cancer in this region of the body are those of the mouth, esophagus, pharynx, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, liver, pancreas, rectum, and anus.
Symptoms
Cancer of the digestive system can be asymptomatic at the beginning, which results in an absence of specific complaints from the patient. Therefore, identifying the development of the disease is more difficult.
Warning signs can vary from person to person. Therefore, when a symptom presents itself recurrently, the ideal is to contact a specialist.
- Sudden weight loss for no apparent reason
- Pain when swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anemia and weakness
- Presence of blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
Risk factors
The onset of cancer does not depend on external factors. However, adopting harmful habits and count on hereditary history can influence the chances of the disease occurring.
In this sense the hereditary factor becomes an alarm bell for cancer of the digestive system. In these cases it is essential to consult periodically and carry out routine tests to monitor and detect any anomalies. It is worth remembering that the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of recovery.
Furthermore, factors such as smoking, alcoholism, poor diet and obesity can also contribute to the onset of cancer. For people suffering from reflux, Barrett’s esophagus and other gastric diseases, it is recommended to treat the dysfunction and consultation adjust with a doctor. This is because these diseases can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Prevent cancer in the digestive system
Cancer can develop for no apparent reason. However, keep at healthy life helps prevent the onset of the disease. It is therefore advisable to adopt a balanced diet, rich in fiber and with a low consumption of ultra-processed sugars. Furthermore, exercising regularly and consuming alcohol in moderation are essential measures.
In most cases, when the disease begins to show symptoms, the tumors are already in a more advanced stage. This scenario diminishes the prospects for curative treatment. Therefore, prevention through a healthy lifestyle and medical monitoring is essential.
In the case of stomach cancer, for example, it is recommended to avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. Furthermore, a digestive endoscopic evaluation is necessary. For colorectal cancer, the main preventative test is colonoscopy. It allows direct visualization of suspicious lesions and the performance of biopsies and removal of lesions in the early stages.
According to digestive surgeon Dr. André Augusto Pinto, colonoscopy is recommended starting at age 45 or 10 years before the age of a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. “For example, if one of the parents was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 52, the children should undergo a colonoscopy at the age of 42,” explains the doctor.
According to Dr. Álvaro Faria, general and digestive system surgeon, “in both cases, treatments can vary from the need for surgery to the combination of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, being personalized depending on the type and stage of the disease.”
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
