Clipping Board » Disease & Prevention ─ Understanding diseases, prevention is better than cure.
2009-07-22 Central News Agency
A 22-year-old college student frequently experienced stomach pain. Two months ago, a fecal occult blood test came back positive, and further examination revealed advanced colorectal cancer. Doctors pointed out that young people developing colorectal cancer is no longer news, and the public should not fear colonoscopies—if it’s necessary, get it done.
Dr. Liu Hui-hsiung from a private clinic noted today that in 2006, the number of colorectal cancer patients in Taiwan exceeded 10,000, making it the most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of death among the top ten cancers. Due to Westernized diets, obesity, and other factors, young and middle-aged patients are increasingly common, yet young people often lack awareness.
He mentioned that when the 22-year-old Wang student tested positive for fecal occult blood, his mother was extremely anxious. Unable to wait for a scheduled examination at a medical center a month later, she turned to Dr. Liu for a colonoscopy. The results showed an irregular, depressed ulcerative colorectal cancer located 58 cm from the anal opening. Subsequent follow-ups and surgery at the medical center confirmed it was advanced colorectal cancer, which had already metastasized to the abdominal cavity. The student is still undergoing treatment.
Among Dr. Liu’s patients was a 20-year-old female college student who was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer—an irregular, depressed ulcer—due to anemia. Fortunately, after surgical removal, she has remained healthy for eight years, is now married with children, and works in education.
Dr. Liu analyzed that 90% of cancerous lesions detected via colonoscopy are protruding polyps, while 10% are depressed ulcers. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) combined with magnifying endoscopy allows for clear visualization and immediate biopsy or tissue sampling. However, many people avoid colonoscopies due to concerns about the pre-exam bowel preparation medication, pain during the procedure, or hemorrhoid bleeding.
He stated that colonoscopies can be performed under anesthesia to minimize pain or using the "straight-axis shortening method," a painless gastrointestinal endoscopy technique that requires no anesthesia. Only a full colonoscopy can provide a thorough examination. He recommends regular screenings for those over 40, while individuals with a family history, obesity, abnormal bowel habits, or unexplained abdominal pain should consider early screening.
Source: http:/ / news. chinatimes. com/ 2……98072212+0+1+0,00,focus. html
Colorectal Cancer Rising in Youth, Doctors Urge Regular Screening
A 22-year-old college student frequently experienced stomach pain. Two months ago, a fecal occult blood test came back positive, and further examination revealed advanced colorectal cancer. Doctors pointed out that young people developing colorectal cancer is no longer news, and the public should not fear colonoscopies—if it’s necessary, get it done.
Dr. Liu Hui-hsiung from a private clinic noted today that in 2006, the number of colorectal cancer patients in Taiwan exceeded 10,000, making it the most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of death among the top ten cancers. Due to Westernized diets, obesity, and other factors, young and middle-aged patients are increasingly common, yet young people often lack awareness.
He mentioned that when the 22-year-old Wang student tested positive for fecal occult blood, his mother was extremely anxious. Unable to wait for a scheduled examination at a medical center a month later, she turned to Dr. Liu for a colonoscopy. The results showed an irregular, depressed ulcerative colorectal cancer located 58 cm from the anal opening. Subsequent follow-ups and surgery at the medical center confirmed it was advanced colorectal cancer, which had already metastasized to the abdominal cavity. The student is still undergoing treatment.
Among Dr. Liu’s patients was a 20-year-old female college student who was diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer—an irregular, depressed ulcer—due to anemia. Fortunately, after surgical removal, she has remained healthy for eight years, is now married with children, and works in education.
Dr. Liu analyzed that 90% of cancerous lesions detected via colonoscopy are protruding polyps, while 10% are depressed ulcers. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) combined with magnifying endoscopy allows for clear visualization and immediate biopsy or tissue sampling. However, many people avoid colonoscopies due to concerns about the pre-exam bowel preparation medication, pain during the procedure, or hemorrhoid bleeding.
He stated that colonoscopies can be performed under anesthesia to minimize pain or using the "straight-axis shortening method," a painless gastrointestinal endoscopy technique that requires no anesthesia. Only a full colonoscopy can provide a thorough examination. He recommends regular screenings for those over 40, while individuals with a family history, obesity, abnormal bowel habits, or unexplained abdominal pain should consider early screening.
Source: http:/ / news. chinatimes. com/ 2……98072212+0+1+0,00,focus. html