Colon cancer is the most diagnosed in Spain. According to data from the Spanish Foundation for the Digestive System (FEAD), in 2021 43,581 new cases were diagnosed10% of all cancers diagnosed in our country.
These data underline the importance that we must give to prevention and early detection to achieve greater survival. As the Dr. Cristina Carretero Ribón, FEAD expert:
“It is recommended pay attention to the colon to know how to detect if there is a change in the intestinal rhythm, changes in weight, blood in the stool, etc. and incorporate their care into our health routine following the recommendations of experts, just as we do with the prevention of other cancers”.
In addition, the expert stresses the need “for the population participates in institutional screening programs from each of the autonomous communities where you reside, if you are over 50 years old or if you are part of the risk groups; since colon cancer can be cured in 90% of cases if detected early, achieving a reduction in mortality and incidence”.
When to start colon cancer screening
all communities autonomous communities have established their colon cancer screening programs. Screening tests are fecal occult blood detection and colonoscopy. This second is done only if the fecal occult blood test is positive.
It is about the measure most effective in reducing incidence and mortality of colon cancer due to cost, efficacy and the quality of life it provides to patients.
But in performing these tests It is necessary to take into account some factors that can anticipate the age or increase the frequency of revisions. We are talking about risk groups, people with a family history and people who suffer from other digestive pathologies.
Thus, the FEAD recommendations to participate in these screening tests are divided according to the population group into:
- People with no family history and under 50 years of age. They do not need to undergo these tests, unless some symptom appears (blood in the stool, changes in frequency, tiredness, unexplained weight loss). In any case, the recommendation for this group is to follow a healthy lifestyle. That is, eat healthy, avoid being overweight, not smoke and do physical exercise.
- People with no family history and aged 50 or over. This is the time to participate in the screening programs of each autonomous community, based on the fecal occult blood test. If this test were positive, a colonoscopy would need to be done to confirm the diagnosis.
- People with a family history. In these cases, before establishing the preventive strategy, it is recommended to determine if the family history corresponds to hereditary syndromes associated with colorectal cancer.
What does this mean? Well explained in a simple way…
- If there is only one affected second-degree relative (grandfather, uncle) and the person is 50 years of age or olderit is advisable to participate in the screening programs of each community based on the fecal occult blood test.
- If there are two first-degree relatives (parent, sibling, child) or a first-degree relative under 50 years of age consultation with the doctor is recommended. This will generally advance the start of screening to 40 years or 10 years before the age of diagnosis of the youngest relative with cancer, with colonoscopy every 5 years.
Lastly, there are the patients who have been diagnosed with adenomas, colon cancer, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease. In these cases, it will be the specialist who treats them who will decide which is the most indicated follow-up in each case.
Other ways to prevent colon cancer
Although we may not have a record, even if we are not of an age to carry out these screening tests or do not have any digestive problemsit is better to start preventing today, taking advantage of the fact that the whole world celebrates World Colon Cancer Day.
How can we do it?
Well, with healthy habits and good nutrition. Specifically, the FEAD experts recommend:
- The less fat in our diet, the better.
- Fruit and vegetables have to be the protagonists of our daily dishes. Also whole grains, which contain vitamins, antioxidants, fiber and minerals.
- Dairy has been associated with a beneficial effect in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
- Eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin D.
- Reduce red meat.
- The more weight, the more likely to develop this tumor. You have to lose weight.
- Do not smoke and avoid alcohol.
- Practice physical exercise regularly. The ideal would be to do 30 minutes every day or almost every day.
- All these measures are, for experts in the digestive system, crucial measures that help prevent colorectal cancer.