colorectal cancer prevention:
In terms of diet, it is important to consume less high-fat foods and more fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid alcohol consumption or minimize it. In high-incidence areas of colorectal cancer, high-risk populations, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, and those with colorectal adenomas, extra vigilance should be exercised, and relevant symptoms should be taken seriously. Regular participation in cancer screenings is recommended. For individuals aged 35 and above, in addition to annual fecal occult blood tests, an annual digital rectal examination should also be conducted. For individuals with colorectal adenomas or multiple adenomatous polyps, regular follow-up visits to the hospital are necessary, and preventive surgical resection may be required when deemed appropriate.
Colorectal cancer prevention through the treatment of precancerous lesions:
The majority of colorectal cancers start from adenomatous polyps. The larger the diameter of the polyp, the higher the degree of atypical hyperplasia, and the greater the likelihood of cancerous transformation. Studies have shown that it generally takes 7 to 12 years for an adenoma to develop into adenocarcinoma. Therefore, by screening and removing colorectal polyps (adenomas) in the population, an opportunity for preventing colorectal cancer is provided.
In the years 1977-1980, researchers from Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, and the Health Bureau of Haining County conducted a survey on colorectal cancer in a population of over 244,000 individuals aged 30 and above in Haining City, China. They identified 51 cases of colorectal cancer, 2357 cases of adenomas, and 1719 cases of adenomatous polyps, totaling 4076 cases, which were considered a high-risk population cohort. Starting from 1978, this high-risk population cohort was followed up every 3 to 5 years for a period of 20 years. The overall follow-up rate reached 66.7%, and timely removal of the detected 1369 adenomas and polyps was carried out.
In 1999, a statistical analysis was conducted on the population of Haining City regarding colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. The results showed a 59.17% decrease in colorectal cancer incidence and a 71.80% decrease in mortality in the 1990s compared to the 1970s. The accumulated incidence and mortality rates of the screened population in Haining City over 20 years decreased by 31.42% and 17.56%, respectively, compared to the expected values.
