Every year on May 29th, we celebrate "World Gut Health Day", aiming to remind the public to pay attention to gut health and disseminate knowledge about the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases.
How to scientifically maintain intestinal health?
Professor Zhao Xinkai, Vice President of Hainan Cancer Hospital and Director of the Digestive Endoscopy Integrated Diagnosis and Treatment Center, pointed out that regular colonoscopy is an important means to achieve "early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment" of diseases and is also the key to safeguarding intestinal health.
From "turn pale at the mention of cancer" to "active screening":
A leap in public perception
Professor Zhao Xinkai stated that with the extensive and in-depth promotion of health education and the improvement of people's living standards, there has been a positive shift in public awareness regarding intestinal health. An increasing number of individuals are paying attention to their own health, and their understanding of gastrointestinal tumors has become clearer.
"People are more willing to undergo gastrointestinal screening and health check-ups," Professor Zhao Xinkai emphasized. "Especially with the widespread adoption of painless gastroscopy, people no longer fear this examination, and their acceptance has greatly increased. This has allowed us to detect lesions earlier and made significant progress in treatment."
Why is colorectal cancer expected to be "eliminated"?
The key lies in blocking the "polyp-cancer" pathway
Regarding the statement that "colorectal cancer is expected to become the second cancer to be eradicated by humans," Professor Zhao Xinkai said that this is not mere talk, but has solid scientific basis. "At least 80% to 95% of colorectal cancers evolve step by step from polyps." He elaborated on this evolutionary process: starting from small polyps, they gradually grow and proliferate, evolving into precancerous lesions, then in situ cancer, and ultimately developing into invasive cancer. This process takes an average of 5 to 10 years.
"This provides us with a very valuable 'time window'. If we can detect polyps through colonoscopy before they undergo cancerous transformation and easily remove them, it would mean completely halting the process of cancer development.".
"Theoretically speaking, colorectal cancer is completely preventable and controllable. As long as we attach importance to early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of polyps, its incidence rate will surely decline significantly," Professor Zhao Xinkai introduced.
Breaking the misconception:
"No symptoms" does not mean "no intestinal problems"
Many people hold the belief that as long as their bowel movements are normal and they don't feel unwell, their intestines must be healthy. However, Professor Zhao Xinkai asserts that this is incorrect. "In the early stages of growth, intestinal polyps may not exhibit any symptoms, even when they reach a certain size," Professor Zhao Xinkai concludes with a widely circulated phrase in the industry: "The most typical symptom of many gastrointestinal tumors is the absence of symptoms." Therefore, he emphasizes that relying solely on personal feelings to assess intestinal health is unreliable, and proactive and regular screening is crucial.
At the age of 40, one should undergo "the first colonoscopy in life"
High-risk groups need to take precautions in advance
So, when should ordinary people start their first colonoscopy?
Professor Zhao Xinkai suggested that previously, it was advocated to start the examination at the age of 45 or above. However, with the earlier onset of gastrointestinal tumors in recent years, it is recommended to advance the age for the first examination to 40 years old. Lei Haichao, the director of the National Health Commission of China, also emphasized the importance of gastroscopy during the Two Sessions.
High-risk groups include:
1. Age factor: people over 40 years old.
2. Individuals with unhealthy lifestyle habits: those who smoke for a long time, abuse alcohol, lack physical activity, are obese, and prefer high-fat and high-salt diets.
3. Family history: There is a history of colorectal cancer or polyps in direct relatives.
4. Personal medical history: Previous history of intestinal polyps or undergoing polyp treatment; history of other tumors; suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel disease; patient with familial polyposis.
5. Relevant symptoms: long-term constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two; changes in bowel habits; unexplained abdominal pain, blood in stool, weight loss, etc.
For the general population, unless there are special issues, it is recommended to undergo a colonoscopy every 3-5 years. If polyps are found and removed, a follow-up examination should be conducted within one or three years as prescribed by a doctor. The frequency of examination for high-risk groups should be appropriately increased.
"Five Principles" for Daily Intestinal Care
Sound the alarm for the trend of youthification
1. Regular lifestyle: Maintain a regular sleep and wake schedule, avoid staying up late, and refrain from overeating or overdrinking.
2. Moderate exercise: Avoid prolonged sitting, control body weight, and prevent obesity.
3. Healthy diet: Reduce the intake of high-fat, high-salt, pickled foods, and processed meats; increase the consumption of vegetables rich in fiber, fresh fruits, and foods rich in vitamin C.
4. Abandon unhealthy habits: quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and avoid excessive drinking.
5. Be vigilant for symptoms and seek timely examination: If you experience digestive symptoms such as chronic constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool, abdominal pain, or weight loss, do not delay, but seek immediate medical examination.
Professor Zhao Xinkai urged young people to change their unhealthy lifestyles and not to avoid examinations out of fear. "The current painless gastroscopy technology is very popular, safe, and effective. It remains the 'gold standard' for detecting gastrointestinal diseases and is also the most powerful weapon in our hands."
On the occasion of World Gut Health Day, let's start from today, care for our intestines, and take responsibility for our own health.
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 and Diagnosis 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
Proficient 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
The text is reproduced from "ifeng.com"