Colon cancer
is
one of the most common cancers in the world.
According to the National Cancer Institute, it is the second most common in Argentina, with about 16 thousand cases a year, just after breast cancer.
And the second in mortality, behind lung cancer, with more than 7,000 deaths per year.
Early detection
is
key, since most patients receive the diagnosis when the tumor is still located in the colon or rectum.
After removal with surgery, it can be treated with chemotherapy to prevent relapses.
In recent months, innovative drugs that act in advanced cases (a stage in which it is detected in 70% of young patients) and show better results than standard drugs have also begun to be used in the private sector.
But the fundamental tool against colon cancer is
prevention
.
For this reason, this Saturday the Argentine Society of Gastroenterology (SAGE) carried out an awareness walk within the framework of the blue month of colorectal cancer prevention and in the run-up to March 31,
World Colon Cancer Day
.
The action also featured a
giant inflatable colon
that visitors could tour for free and receive information.
"Prevention is the best tool we have against colon cancer. Participating in this walk is an important step to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our intestinal health. Knowing the risk factors and
adopting healthy lifestyle habits
can make a difference in the prevention of this disease,” said Marcelo Thomé, president of SAGE.
The
symptoms
that these patients usually present are: loss of blood in the stool, changes in the evacuation rhythm, abdominal discomfort and distension, anemia, weakness, weight loss.
It is important to know that you may be suffering from colorectal cancer and not have any of these symptoms.
For this reason, it is essential to raise awareness among the population about the need to consult with their doctor to carry out studies aimed at the prevention and early detection of the disease.
This tumor is one of the most
feasible to prevent
.
The slow progression and transformation of the polyp into cancer favors periodic examinations to detect and remove polyps, thus preventing the disease.