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Due to the increase in colorectal cancer among younger adults in the United States, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has changed the guidelines for preventing disease by recommending that colonoscopy be done at age 45 instead of 50 years. published May 30 in the "CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians". The trend in these cases is that other Cancer Associations follow the recommendation of the US entity in Brazil.
This change occurred after badysis of data from a large ACS study that indicated an increase in the number of cases among young adults. In the United States, it is the fourth most common type of cancer in adults and the second most deadly.
Colorectal cancer includes tumors that affect a segment of the large intestine (the colon) and the rectum. It is treatable and, in most cases, curable, when it is detected early, when it has not yet spread to other organs. Most of these tumors come from polyps, benign lesions that can develop on the inner lining of the large intestine. One way to prevent the onset of tumors would be the detection and elimination of polyps still at the pre-malignant stage during colonoscopy.
In Brazil, according to data from the National Cancer Institute (CNIB), colorectal cancer is one of the most common in the population. In women, it is the second most common to lose only bad cancer, and in men, it ranks 3rd, shortly after prostate cancer and lung cancer. CNIB data also estimates that more than 36,000 new cases this year in the country, 17,000 men and nearly 19,000 women.
The recommendation for the Brazilian population in general is that exams start at age 50. Cases of predisposition or appearance of any symptom should anticipate this screening, according to the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology.
And the truth is that behind these numbers are real people, and all of us from the colorectal cancer universe, so gastroenterologists or oncologists have seen more and more young adults develop the disease. Based on this review, researchers have identified different strategies that can be effective.
They suggest that from the age of 45, people have a colonoscopy every 10 years or a virtual colonoscopy every five years; or sigmoidoscopy every five years; or a fecal occult blood test of high sensitivity every year.
In this case, prevention means avoiding factors related to the development of colorectal cancer. Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and vegetables, avoid red meat and sausage, practice physical exercises, fight against obesity, do not smoke, do not drink excessive alcohol, are important attitudes in prevention. However, screening is necessary because these measures are not 100% effective.
For any adult, regardless of age, it is important to pay attention to one's body and intestinal habits. Any changes should be reported to the doctor. In this way, it is not that you will be able to identify people with cancer earlier, but rather that we will be able to identify the youngest with only polyps that can to be removed and they never have cancer. It's a prevention and not just an early diagnosis.
Roberto Barreto is Vice President of the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy of Mato Grosso (Sobed-MT) and Gastroenterologist of the Endoscopy Center of Cuiabá (CEC) and Life Endoscopy
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