Colon cancer: 90% of cases can be prevented, but fear and modesty are obstacles – 03/29/2019

Nine out of 10 cases of colon cancer could be prevented. However, in our country, more than 13,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and causes the death of more than 7,000 people (about 20 a day), according to the National Cancer Institute. Screening tests are essential in the early stages of the disease, but fear and modesty, among other factors, impede access. That's why, on the eve of World Colon Cancer Day, several campaigns are aimed at raising awareness of its importance and overcoming myths and fears.

The possibility of preventing most cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) is that, in about 90% of cases, it is preceded by a precursor lesion, the adenomatous polyp, which develops slowly (this may take a decade), define a window of time to detect it, delete it and prevent it from becoming a tumor. How Through research methods, including fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy. However, according to the latest national survey on risk factors, only 27% of people aged 50 to 75 have ever undergone one of these tests.

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Lisandro Pereyra, gastroenterologist at the German hospital, member of the Scientific Association Digestive Endoscopists of Buenos Aires (ENDIBA) and trainer of the National Program for the Prevention and Detection of Colorectal Cancer (PNCCR), in the field of the quality of colonoscopy, explains that the fecal occult blood test "can be taken at home by the patient with the help of a device provided by the doctor". Colonoscopy, on the other hand, "is a study of more precision and efficiency, which is the first option for patients considered "at risk" to have a family history of the disease or to have suffered from inflammatory bowel disease. "

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At the same time, Leandro Steimberg, a doctor at Durand Hospital and the Favaloro Foundation, also a member of ENDIBA, adds that "the study of occult blood in feces detects early stage cancers, while colonoscopy can also highlight polyps, precursor lesions at the origin of colon cancer.

Juan Carlos Patrón Uriburu, a member of the coloproctology department of the British Hospital, is relying on studies to show that the examinations carried out on the premises and by duly certified and trained professionals are extremely safe and of high quality. Although it is a well-tolerated procedure with minimal incidence of complications (less than 0.1% in cases of prevention studies), the specialists worry about its existence. "Unfounded fear, discomfort and even modesty", which retracts most patients to this practice.

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In addition to shame and fears, Pereyra identifies another hurdle: "Due to lack of time or other factors, doctors do not fully examine the patient and therefore can not badess the risks to the patient. suggest adequate controls ".

For his part, Fabián Nachman, Head of the Gastroenterology Department at the Fundación Favaloro University Hospital, points out that, according to recent studies, "Colonoscopy can reduce cancer mortality by 75%". And that "early detection of cancer can cure up to 90% of cases, even with colonoscopy and the detection of precursor lesions of cancer, the tumor is preventable".

If during practice there is no anomaly, it will not be necessary to redo it before ten years laterexplains ENDIBA. To the extent that it is positive, the risk will be evaluated to determine the frequency of future studies. "In 80% of cases, we find benign polyps that are removed during the same procedure and depending on its characteristics, it will be decided when the procedure should be repeated," says Pereyra.

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The Gedyt Foundation points out that some people with antecedents are more prone to colorectal cancer. 75% of cases occur in people with no family history or personal cancer. Hence the importance of conducting preventive study, especially after age 50, the age at which the incidence of the disease increases.

As a preventive measure against the appearance of colon polyps, it is suggested to lead a healthy life including physical activity, maintain an adequate weight, avoid smoking, adopt a diet high in fiber, fruits, vegetables and in milk, as well as reducing consumption of highly cooked red meats. And as the main secondary prevention tool, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist from 50 years. People who have symptoms (modification of the evacuation mode, bleeding during defecation, frequent abdominal or rectal pain, anemia and weight loss for no apparent reason) or having a personal or family history, they must consult before this age.

Famous for the conscience

To raise awareness of the importance of controls, ENDIBA launched the campaign # MakeOneColonoscopy. Famous personalities such as Julián Weich, Mario Pergolini, Maria Julia Oliván, Luis Rubio and Marcelo Bonelli voluntarily participated in the production of a video aimed at viralizing the importance of the benefits of premature diagnosis of this disease.

For its part, the Favaloro Foundation launched #YoAmoLaVida, which was joined by Mariana Fabbiani, Andy Kusnetzoff, Leo Montero and Angel de Brito, among others.

At Gedyt, they invite you to dress this Friday in blue, a color that symbolizes this type of cancer, and to join the initiative on social networks under the hashtag #VestiteDeAzul.

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