Early diagnosis increases the chances of curing bowel cancer

Responsible for killing personalities such as former players Roberto Dinamite and King Pelé, bowel cancer is one of the most frequent in Brazil. According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), it is estimated that 44,000 cases of cancer that affect the colon and rectum are diagnosed per year in Brazil. However, the disease is treatable and the chances of cure are high when identified at an early stage.

Intestinal cancer, also known as colon and rectum or colorectal cancer, encompasses tumors that begin in the part of the large intestine called the colon, in the rectum – end of the intestine, immediately before the anus -, and anus.

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The ideal is to stay connected to the signs that the body gives, to have routine exams up to date and to observe the family history in order to identify hereditary cancer. “When diagnosed early, treatment is surgical with a real chance of cure for the patient”, evaluates oncologist Janyara Teixeira de Souza e Silva, from Rede D’Or.

However, the more advanced the disease, the lower the chance of tumor remission, even when surgery is still possible. The decrease in the mortality rate is precisely due to the improvement in the therapeutic arsenal to treat cancer in the first place.

Tracking

To track the disease, Janyara recommends tests such as fecal occult blood tests and endoscopic tests, such as colonoscopy — however, there are those who are resistant to undergoing the procedure.

A colonoscopy is used to look at the health of the inside of the colon and rectum using a colonoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.

“The examination is performed under sedation, by an experienced proctologist. It makes it possible to identify precursor lesions of cancer, such as a polyp, for example, which can be immediately removed for biopsy, as well as other suspicious lesions that may exist”, emphasizes Janyara.

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According to experts, the best way to reverse the population’s resistance to the test is through safe information and guidance campaigns.

Colon cancer symptoms

Oncologist Juliana Ominelli, from Dasa Oncologia, warns of symptoms that are commonly ignored, such as changes in the appearance of stools, bowel regularity and even severe stomach pains. “Despite being one of the main symptoms, the presence of blood in the stool is not a rule”, she clarifies.

Check out the list of the most common signs of the disease:

• Unjustified change in bowel habits;
• Recurrent diarrhea or constipation;
• Blood in the stool (may be light or dark in color)
• Painful bowel movements;
• Thinning of stools;
• Constant flatulence (gas);
• gastric discomfort;
• Intestinal constipation;
• Unjustified weight loss;
• Constant fatigue;
• Hemorrhoids;
• Verminosis;
• Gastric ulcer.

In the case of Preta Gil, who was diagnosed last week, the cancer started with abdominal discomfort that made the singer seek medical help. Through social networks, she said that she was hospitalized because of the pain.

Prevention

A lifestyle without excesses and that promotes the proper functioning of the intestine is considered essential to reduce the chances of developing bowel cancer. Therefore, it is advisable:

• Avoid red meat;
• Avoid alcoholic beverages;
• Consume fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, beans and other grains;
• Regular physical activity;
• Avoid smoking;
• Keep weight within limits.

Inca recommends that colonoscopy be performed by all people from the age of 45 and repeated every decade. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer should be screened more often.

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