Young and middle-aged people with anemia should be alert to colon cancer

In the early stages of colon cancer, patients will slowly lose a small amount of blood and gradually develop anemia. In mild anemia, tissue and organ functions can compensate, and patients often have no obvious clinical symptoms, which does not attract enough attention. By the time symptoms such as constipation and abdominal distension appear, it is already in the late stage. The incidence of colon cancer is closely related to factors such as the environment (especially diet), genetics, physical activity, and occupation.

Mr. Lin, 40 years old, was diagnosed with anemia during a physical examination at work three months ago. However, due to his busy work schedule, he did not look closely at the physical examination report. Recently, he had some abdominal pain and went to the hospital for a checkup, only to find out that he had colon cancer.

When anemia is found in patients, if colorectal cancer is suspected, they should enter the colorectal cancer screening program and do fecal occult blood test and rectal digital examination. If the digital examination is negative and the fecal occult blood test is positive, a sigmoidoscopy or fiber colonoscopy should be performed; if the colonoscopy is negative and the fecal occult blood test is positive, a full colonoscopy or gas-barium double contrast should be performed. If it is a precancerous lesion or early cancer, it is very likely to be cured after timely treatment.

It is recommended that the general population, especially young and middle-aged people, have a balanced diet, increase the intake of dietary fiber and vitamins such as vegetables and fruits, strengthen exercise, and actively deal with precancerous lesions, which are important for preventing the occurrence of colorectal cancer.