Soolevähist

Soolevähist, also known as intestinal cancer, refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the intestines. It most commonly originates in the colon or rectum, collectively termed colorectal cancer. While the exact causes are complex, a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors is believed to play a role. Risk factors include older age, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, a diet low in fiber and high in red and processed meats, obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Symptoms of intestinal cancer can vary and may not appear until the disease is advanced. Common signs include a change in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Screening methods, such as colonoscopies, fecal occult blood tests, and sigmoidoscopies, are crucial for identifying precancerous polyps or early-stage cancers.

Treatment for intestinal cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. Options typically include surgery to remove the cancerous tumor, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells, and targeted therapy or immunotherapy for specific types of cancer. Regular screening and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing intestinal cancer.