Experts Recommend Mediterranean Diet Against Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer is among the frequently occurring cancer types both in our country and worldwide. It is a cancer type that presents no symptoms and progresses slowly. Various scientific studies have demonstrated that the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruit, fish, olive oil, and nuts such as hazelnuts and walnuts, significantly reduces deaths from cancer and vascular obstruction. Prof. Dr. Hakan Yanar, General Surgery Specialist at Liv Hospital, shared important information regarding colorectal cancer prevention and screening methods, and the importance of nutrition.

Risk Increases After Age 50

More than 90 percent of colorectal cancers originate from previously developed polyps. While polyps are rare before age 50, the incidence of polyps and therefore cancer increases after age 50. Dietary habits rich in fat and poor in fiber, a family history of colorectal cancer among first-degree relatives, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

Second or Third Most Common Cancer Worldwide

Colorectal cancer, where early diagnosis is crucial, is a cancer type that presents no symptoms and progresses slowly. Particularly seen in people aged 50 and over, this cancer can be treated when diagnosed early. Colorectal cancer ranks second or third among the most commonly occurring cancers worldwide.

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

• Anemia,
• Palpable mass,
• Rectal bleeding,
• Blood in stool,
• Narrowing of stool caliber,
• Change in bowel habits,
• Incomplete evacuation,
• Abdominal pain lasting longer than 15 days.

Early Diagnosis Methods

While occult blood in stool and immunohistochemical tests are used in colorectal cancer screening, the most useful method is colonoscopic examination. The goal should be to remove polyps during colonoscopy that could develop into cancer while still at the polyp stage, before surgery becomes necessary. For this reason, screening with the first colonoscopy should be performed at age 50 in individuals with no family history of colorectal cancer, and if normal findings are detected, colonoscopy should be repeated at ten-year intervals. For individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, the first colonoscopy should be performed 10 years before the age at which cancer appeared in the family.

Surgical Treatment

The standard treatment method is surgery. However, during the operation, the removal of a certain amount of healthy colon tissue and surrounding lymph nodes along with the tumor is of vital importance. Long-term survival, which is influenced by tumor recurrence or spread to distant sites, requires that the surgical procedure be performed by surgeons experienced in this field.

Do Not Neglect These Recommendations

• Undergo regular screening tests.
• Instead of a sedentary lifestyle, exercise at moderate intensity 4-5 days per week.
• Follow a diet rich in fiber, low in fat, and not protein-heavy.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
• Maintain your ideal weight.
• Various scientific studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, fish, olive oil, and nuts such as hazelnuts and walnuts, significantly reduces deaths from cancer and vascular obstruction.