Recently, a news that "colorectal cancer is expected to become the second cancer to be 'eliminated' by humans" has gone viral on major online platforms,
The question arises, can we really "eliminate" colorectal cancer?
For this reason, we conducted an exclusive interview with Professor Zhao Xinkai, a renowned digestive endoscopy expert in Hainan and Vice President of Hainan Cancer Hospital.
Not "eliminate"
Instead, it is "preventable and controllable"
Zhao Xinkai pointed out straightforwardly with professional and rigorous medical logic: from the perspective of the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer, strictly speaking, it is not about "eliminating" colorectal cancer, but rather about "taming" or "controlling" its harm to health.
He explained that colorectal cancer has a clear "preventable window period". Compared to other cancers, colorectal cancer is a "slow burner". The vast majority of sporadic colorectal cancers follow an evolutionary pattern of "normal mucosa - adenoma (polyp) - cancer". This process usually takes 5 to 10 years or even longer, providing ample time for early intervention. By detecting and removing precancerous polyps through screening, canceration can be blocked at its source.
Continuous breakthroughs in early diagnostic and treatment technologies have provided reliable guarantees for the prevention, control, or "taming" of colorectal cancer.
He explained that early screening methods for colorectal cancer are highly accurate and efficient. Colonoscopy not only allows for a direct visualization of the internal condition of the intestine but also facilitates the removal of suspicious polyps, thereby eliminating health risks. Non-invasive methods such as fecal occult blood testing and fecal DNA testing are also experiencing an increase in accuracy.
At the press conference on the theme of people's livelihood held during the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on March 7 this year, Lei Haichao, Director of the National Health Commission, also emphasized that "cancer is not terrible. The key lies in prevention and early screening. If you are over 50 years old, overweight or obese, have a history of smoking, or have a family member with colorectal cancer, it is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years. If polyps are found, they can be removed. Otherwise, if the disease reaches the middle or late stages, the treatment effect will be greatly reduced."
"Do these points well"
We can "eliminate" colorectal cancer
Research indicates that 95% of colorectal cancers originate from polyps. Therefore, by undergoing regular medical check-ups to detect and remove these polyps in a timely manner, colorectal cancer can be nipped in the bud.
In many developed countries, gastroscopy is a mandatory examination for all citizens.
Zhao
Xinkai suggested
The general population should undergo their first gastroscopy at the age of 45. For high-risk groups such as those with a family history of bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diabetes, it is recommended to start screening earlier, at the age of 40 or even earlier.
Especially when experiencing "warning signs" such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain, it is important to seek medical attention and professional diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner.
While conducting strict screening
It is equally important to take daily precautions
Firstly, maintain a balanced diet and consume more dietary fiber. Dietary fiber acts like a gut cleaner, and whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables are all good choices. Red meat and processed meat products should be controlled, with a weekly intake not exceeding 500 grams. Eat less high-temperature fried and charcoal grilled foods, as they can produce carcinogens.
Second, adhere to moderate-intensity exercise every day. Those who sit for long periods should pay special attention to getting up and moving for 5 minutes every hour. Simple stretching or walking are effective in making intestinal peristalsis more active.
Third, manage and control weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
According to statistics from the National Cancer Center, 86% of patients with early-stage colorectal cancer can receive effective treatment. The 5-year survival rate for colorectal cancer in China has increased from 30.5% at the beginning of the 21st century to 43.7% in 2021. Through effective prevention and early screening, the incidence rate and mortality rate can be significantly reduced, transforming colorectal cancer from a "fatal disease" into a "manageable chronic disease.".
Zhao Xinkai introduced that Hainan Cancer Hospital has entered the stage of multidisciplinary team (MDT) and precision medicine for the early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. The application of robotic surgery, AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment, and dynamic ctDNA monitoring not only improves the anal sphincter preservation rate and reduces complications, but also accurately predicts treatment outcomes, guides individualized treatment, significantly increases the cure rate, and reduces the recurrence rate.
Expert Introduction
Zhao Xinkai
Vice President
Deputy Director of the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center of Hainan Province
Director of the Endoscopic Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Gastrointestinal Tumor Endoscopy Diagnosis and Treatment Department, Gastroenterology Department
Doctor of Medicine, Chief Physician
Professor, Master's Supervisor
High-level talents in Hainan Province
Winner of the May 1st Labor Medal in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
He is skilled in various complex and difficult techniques of digestive endoscopy, such as ERCP and related techniques, ESD and related techniques, endoscopic ultrasonography, PEG, capsule endoscopy, small intestinal endoscopy, and other endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
Clinic Hours
Tuesday morning Thursday morning