Colorectal cancer has become one of the five most common cancers in Vietnam, accounting for about 10% of all cancer cases. Recent statistics reveal that the incidence rate in Ho Chi Minh City has surged by approximately 1.7 times over the last twenty years. Dr. Vu Khuong An, Deputy Head of the Colorectal Surgery Department at Binh Dan Hospital, shared these alarming findings during a recent meeting of the Colostomy Club held on July 18.

The rising trend of colorectal cancer in Vietnam is attributed to urban lifestyle changes, including a diet low in vegetables and high in red meat and processed foods. Dr. An emphasized that nearly half of colorectal cancer cases could be prevented if the public is properly educated and encouraged to undergo timely screenings. However, many patients tend to delay seeking medical help, often mistaking the symptoms of colorectal cancer for hemorrhoids.

Dr. An outlined five warning signs that should not be ignored: persistent blood in stool for more than two weeks, alternating constipation and diarrhea, unusually flat stools resembling a pencil, prolonged abdominal pain without clear cause that does not improve with medication, and unexplained weight loss accompanied by fatigue and pallor. He urged individuals, especially those over 40, to avoid self-diagnosing and to opt for a colonoscopy to rule out cancer.

For advanced cases of colorectal cancer, patients may require a colostomy, which involves creating an opening in the abdominal wall to divert waste into a specialized bag. This procedure can be temporary or permanent, depending on the extent of the cancer. Dr. An shared success stories of patients who have adapted well to life with a colostomy, highlighting that they can still engage in regular activities such as cycling and exercising.

Post-treatment, patients are advised to have regular check-ups and undergo tests for cancer markers every 3-6 months, along with scheduled colonoscopies to monitor for recurrence. Immediate family members of colorectal cancer patients are at a significantly higher risk and should begin screening at age 40 or 10 years earlier than the age at which their relative was diagnosed.

Overall, awareness and proactive health measures are crucial in combating the rising rates of colorectal cancer in Vietnam.