Istanbul Gelisim University - Attention! Experts warn: 20 percent of cancers are seen in the digestive system

Attention! Experts warn: 20 percent of cancers are seen in the digestive system

20 percent of the cancers in the body are the digestive system cancers. Among the cancers of the digestive system, colorectal cancer is 8 percent of all types of cancer.

Every year 17 million people get cancer in the world. It is known that this number is about 160 thousand in Turkey. It is estimated that these figures will increase every year due to today's lifestyle and diet. General Surgeon Asst. Prof. Fatih Çiftçi stated that 20 percent of cancers consist of the digestive system cancers that includes oesophagus, stomach, gall bladder and bile tract, liver, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine and anus, and among these, colon cancer is the most common.

Specifying the symptoms of the digestive system cancers General Surgeon Asst. Prof. Fatih Çiftçi said “The sign of these kind of cancers can be vomiting or vomiting with blood, constipation, hepatitis, the feeling of discomfort in the middle or upper part of the abdomen, weight loss, stomach pain or bloating after meal, black coloured stool, getting exhausted quickly and weakness, blood in the stool, changes in the habit of defecation without apparent cause, loose defecation, abdominal pain in the bottom part.”

Referring to the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of these insidiously progressive diseases, General Surgeon Asst. Prof. Fatih Çiftçi from Istanbul Gelisim University said that it is important to consult a physician if any of the digestive system habits changes, and in the later process when necessary, endoscopic imaging of the stomach and intestine can help diagnosis.

ATTENTION TO 40’s!

Stating that through the latest scientific and technological advances, many advanced cancer cases are treated with oncological treatment principles, Asst. Prof. Fatih Çiftçi said “In the treatment, surgical options may be considered or the treatment can be conducted with the braches of surgical, medical oncology and radiation oncology. Current treatments include hormone therapy, immune system strengthening treatments and smart pharmacotherapy in addition to surgical treatment.”

Stating that colon cancer among the digestive system cancers consists of 8 percent of the all types of cancers, Asst. Prof. Fatih Çiftçi made an explanation: “This type of cancer after lung and prostate cancer in men is in the third rank, and it is in the second rank in women just after breast cancer. Those who are fed with low fibre and pulp ratio, those who are fat, and those who are consumed with excess fat and burnt food are at risk. Risks increase after the 40’s.”

Expressing that early diagnosis, stool occult blood test and regular control are very important, Asst. Prof. Çiftçi expressed that it is possible for people to be diagnosed early by secret blood test in stool at intervals of 5 or 10 years before getting cancer.