World Colon Cancer Day

Early detection of colon cancer is crucial because it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. Screening tests can identify precancerous polyps or early-stage cancers, both of which are treatable. In this regard, most medical organizations recommend starting to get screened for colon cancer starting at age 50. However, with a family history of this condition or other risk factors, testing should be started at a younger age. People with immediate family members who have had this disease are 1 to 8 times more likely to have colon cancer than the rest of the general population. Nowadays, even if you do not have direct or first-degree relatives with a history of this cancer, it is advisable to perform a screening from the age of 45, which is a diagnostic test for possible polyps present in the colon and rectum, as well as to detect cancer in the early stage. Some of the most common screening tests include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or less invasive tests such as fecal occult blood tests. Each of these tests has its own advantages and limitations, so it’s important to speak with a doctor to determine which one is best suited for each individual.” Symptoms include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent or unexplained abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. In any of these cases, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. It is important to clarify that although these symptoms do not always indicate colon cancer, it is important that they are evaluated by a medical professional for an adequate diagnosis and timely treatment if necessary,” says Dr. Juan Ignacio Olmos, a Gastroenterology physician at the Hospital de Clínicas de la UBA (MN: 139.378), a specialist in advanced therapeutic endoscopy. To contribute to the prevention of colon cancer, it is essential to have healthy habits. These include maintaining a diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking.

Original source in Spanish