Recognize the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer and Its Prevention

Biotizen, did you know that the large intestine (colon) and the lower part of the intestine that is directly connected to the anus (rectum) can grow cancer? This disease is called colorectal cancer which can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer. In the world, the number of cases of this cancer continues to climb even in Indonesia, this is one of the second highest cancers in men with cases reaching 30,017 (2018). With this, we need to recognize colorectal cancer and be aware of it.

Colorectal cancer generally arises from abnormal tissue in the walls of the colon or rectum. This cancer develops slowly and becomes a chronic disease which generally takes the form of lumps (polyps). These lumps can develop into cancer over time. For that, know some of the symptoms that can be found in colorectal cancer as follows.

• Prolonged cramps or pain in the stomach

• Drastic weight loss in a short period of time

• Anemia

• Easily tired

• The presence of blood in the stool either fresh red or black

• There is a change in the pattern of bowel movements, such as the appearance of diarrhea, constipation, or small stools for more than a few days

• There is bleeding in the rectum

Because this cancer develops slowly, sometimes the disease is not immediately recognized by the sufferer. Colorectal cancer if it is underestimated will be very worrying and needs to be prevented as soon as possible. There are several things that can prevent this disease, namely:

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

By exercising regularly, keeping track of what you eat, avoiding excessive consumption of red meat, meat cooked at high temperatures, and alcohol can prevent colorectal cancer. Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables and high-fiber foods also help establish a healthy lifestyle.

2. Perform routine detection

For biotizens who have parents or are aged 50 years and over, it is highly recommended to detect this cancer through the guaiac fecal occult blood test, FIT, and colonoscopy methods. Of course, doing this detection can provide clarity on body health.

3. Avoid unhealthy lifestyle

Avoiding alcoholic beverages and not smoking is one of the important keys in avoiding colorectal cancer. This dangerous lifestyle can certainly have bad side effects and cause serious, prolonged illness. So, here are some things biotizens need to know about colorectal cancer. To avoid this disease, let's maintain a healthy lifestyle and always be aware of colorectal cancer!

 

How to Treat Back Pain

Low back pain: causes, symptoms and how to treat it

Lumbago is pain that occurs in the lower back or low back pain. The causes vary, which can be due to injury, the effects of doing strenuous activities, and as a symptom of another disease. However, the most common are injuries such as muscle sprains or tension due to sudden movements.

Two types of low back pain that often occur are acute pain because it appears suddenly but quickly disappears, and chronic pain which appears gradually and protracted.

 

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain occurs because there is damage to one of the components of the waist such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones to the discs, and nerves. There are several things that can cause this damage, such as movement and posture, strain and other medical problems.

Daily activities or movements as well as poor posture as below which are often the cause of back pain, include:

• Standing, bending and sitting for too long

• Working at the computer for too long

• Driving too long or long distances without taking a break

• Overstretching the muscles

• Wrong position while sitting and sleeping

• Wrong pillow

Other backaches are caused by muscle or ligament strain due to the following conditions:

• Lifting too heavy a load

• Lifting heavy loads repeatedly

• Incorrect posture when lifting heavy weights

• Injuries and fractures

• fell

• The supporting bones are damaged

• Cramps and muscle tension.

Apart from the habits and conditions as above, back pain can also be a symptom of other diseases such as:

• Osteoarthritis

• Arthritis

• Ruptured or herniated disc

• Spine cancer

• Kidney infection

• Spinal infection

• Digestive system disorders

• Endometriosis

• Narrowing of the spine or spinal stenosis

• Pinched nerves

• Abnormal spine

The risk factors below also increase the likelihood of people getting back pain, namely:

• Lack of exercise or movement

• Age over 30 years

• Obesity or overweight

• Drink less water

• Psychological problems

• Smoking

Symptoms of back pain

Symptoms of low back pain vary depending on the cause. But in general the symptoms are as follows:

• The waist is sore, stiff, or feels like it's been stabbed

• Pain from waist to buttocks to feet

• Pain from the waist to the groin to the genitals

• Difficulty moving and standing straight

• The pain worsens when bending, lifting heavy objects and walking

• The pain is worse at night and when sitting for too long

• Numb limbs

When to See a Doctor?

Back pain recurring for 1 month and getting progressively worse and having symptoms like the one below, go to the doctor immediately, including:

• Have a fever

• Legs feel weak

• Waist hurts when coughing or urinating

• Weight gain or even decreased dramatically

• There are problems with urination and defecation

Back Pain Diagnosis

Back pain is serious and until you have to see a doctor, a series of medical procedures will be carried out to diagnose it. These are some of the steps that the doctor will take during the examination.

• Physical examination: Seeing the ability to stand and walk, spinal movements, reflexes, leg strength and physical examination of the kidneys.

• Blood and urine tests:The goal is to find the cause of low back pain.

• X-ray: The goal is to see the structure of the spine and check whether there are fractures or not.

• Bone scans: The goal is to find out any abnormalities in bone tissue.

• CT scans and MRIs:The goal is to see more clearly the structure of the muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves, and blood vessels.

• Electromyography (EMG):The goal is to test nerve conduction.

 

How to Treat Back Pain

Back pain can be treated according to the severity. There are those that can be treated independently at home, but also in some cases a doctor's medical action is needed.

1. Self-medication at home

Doing activities and light sports such as brisk walking, yoga, swimming or stretching muscles.
Cold and warm compresses to reduce pain.

2. Drugs

Pain relievers are either in the form of creams, oral (drinking), or injections. muscle relaxants, such as baclofen or eperisone. Tricyclic antidepressants or SNRIs. Botox injections to inhibit nerve performance. Antibiotics, given if there is an infection such as a kidney infection.

3. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can also be used as an alternative to treating low back pain. Usually they will be guided by professional officers so that the exercise movements are appropriate

4. Operation

Surgery or surgery is usually done for low back pain due to spinal deformities. This operation is the last resort for healing because the condition of the disease is getting worse, it does not heal with drugs and physiotherapy, and there is a narrowing of the nerves that weakens the muscles.

In some cases, mild back pain because it is not caused by a serious condition can get better on its own or enough self-medication at home. However, for serious back pain, surgery can be performed as the best solution.

Back pain is sometimes underestimated because it is considered to be self-healing. However, if it is not treated properly, the risk can be worse because it will interfere with movement and even cause paralysis.