7 Important Facts You Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer

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This is one of the most common and impactful diseases in the global health scenario. Understanding its risk factors, prevention methods, initial symptoms, and advances in treatment is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

If you are looking for information about colorectal cancer, you are in the right place! In this article, we will cover seven important facts you need to know about this disease.

A very frequent type of cancer

This is the third most diagnosed type of cancer in the world, affecting both men and women.

In the United States, for example, it is the second leading cause of cancer death, considering men and women together.

This type of cancer develops in the colon or rectum, parts of the large intestine, and can start as benign adenomatous polyps, which are lesions in the inner wall of the colon and rectum.

Although not all polyps become cancerous, some can evolve into cancer if not detected and removed in time.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with this type of cancer during their lifetime.

In Brazil, the National Cancer Institute (INCA) estimates that about 40,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year.

Most common risk factors

Knowing these factors can help in prevention and early detection. The main risk factors include:

Advanced age;

Family history and genetics;

Inflammatory bowel diseases;

Diet;

Lifestyle;

Type 2 diabetes.

Colonoscopy as a prevention method

Colonoscopy is widely recognized as the most effective method for cancer prevention.

This exam allows the doctor to view the inside of the colon and rectum using a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube with a camera at the end. During colonoscopy, the doctor can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous.

Benefits of colonoscopy

• Early detection: colonoscopy can identify cancer at early stages when it is more treatable.
• Polyp removal: removing polyps during colonoscopy can prevent the development of cancer.
• Personalized guidance: based on the findings, the doctor can recommend the ideal frequency for future exams.

Recommended frequency

• People without risk factors: it is recommended that adults aged 50 (some studies indicate starting at 45) years or older have a colonoscopy every 5 years.
• People with risk factors: those with a family history or other predisposing conditions may need to start screening earlier and have exams more frequently.

Preparation for colonoscopy

• Liquid Diet: in the days leading up to the exam, you may need to follow a liquid diet.
• Laxatives: to completely clear the colon, the use of laxatives is common.
• Medical instructions: following the doctor’s guidelines is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

Initial symptoms that should be observed

Initial symptoms can be subtle and easily confused with other gastrointestinal problems. However, it is essential to be aware of signs and symptoms such as:

Blood in the stool

The presence of blood, which can be bright red or very dark, in the stool is a warning sign.

Changes in bowel habits

Diarrhea, constipation or the feeling that the bowel does not empty completely can indicate problems.

Persistent abdominal pain

Discomfort or pain in the abdominal region that does not go away can be an important symptom.

Unexplained weight loss

Weight loss without apparent reason should be investigated.

Constant fatigue

Feeling constantly tired can be a sign that something is wrong.

Importance of diet and lifestyle

Adopting a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.

Consuming a diet rich in fiber is essential; this includes daily intake of a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains such as brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread. Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and peas, are also excellent sources of fiber that help maintain a healthy digestive system.

In addition, it is important to reduce the consumption of red and processed meats. Limiting the intake of beef, pork, and lamb, and avoiding foods like bacon, sausages, and deli meats.

Regular physical exercise is equally necessary. Activities such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming should be part of the daily routine.

Physical activity not only contributes to maintaining a healthy weight but also helps reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and maintain a healthy weight is one of the most effective forms of prevention.

Moderation in alcohol consumption and abstaining from tobacco are also fundamental.

Limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages can help decrease the risks associated with cancer. Quitting smoking is equally important, as smoking is a significant risk factor for many types of cancer, including colorectal.

With these healthy eating and lifestyle practices, it is possible to create a significant positive impact on cancer prevention and overall health improvement.

Advances in treatments

In recent years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of the disease, providing more effective and less invasive options for patients.

Targeted therapies, for example, use drugs that specifically attack cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.

These treatments have shown great efficacy in certain types of cancer, offering a more targeted approach to treatment.

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative, stimulating the patient’s immune system to fight cancer more effectively.

This type of treatment can be adapted to the specific characteristics of each patient’s tumor, allowing for a personalized therapeutic approach.

Another significant innovation is minimally invasive surgery, which includes laparoscopic procedures.

These procedures are less invasive, resulting in less pain and a quicker recovery for patients.

Robotic surgery has also gained prominence, offering greater precision and reducing postoperative complications.

Finally, advances in chemotherapy and radiotherapy have allowed for more precise treatments, with fewer side effects.

The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be more effective in certain cases, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

These innovations represent a significant progress in the fight against cancer, providing hope and better outcomes for patients.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Detecting cancer in its early stages is essential to increase the chances of cure.

When diagnosed early, survival rates are significantly higher, highlighting the importance of regular screening.

Performing colonoscopies and other early detection tests can indeed save lives. Colonoscopy is considered the most effective exam for identifying polyps and early-stage cancer, allowing for the removal of lesions before they become cancerous.

Another important exam is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), which detects the presence of blood in the stool, a possible indicator of this type of cancer.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an exam similar to colonoscopy but focuses on evaluating the lower part of the colon.

These screening exams are essential for the early detection of colorectal cancer and play a key role in improving treatment outcomes and reducing mortality associated with this disease.

Colorectal cancer is a serious disease, but with the right knowledge and the adoption of preventive measures, it is possible to significantly reduce the risks and increase the chances of early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Be aware of risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of regular exams, such as colonoscopy. Informing yourself and taking proactive steps can make all the difference in the prevention and fight against this disease.

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