Bowel cancer – also known as colorectal cancer or colorectal cancer – is the third most common type of tumor in Brazil. Data suggests that more than 40,000 Brazilians may need treatment for bowel cancer by the end of this year. To reduce new cases of infection, this month’s campaign is called Marinho Azul Marinho, which promotes awareness measures about the disease.

The National Cancer Institute (INCA) is responsible for the above estimate, which shows that – for each of the three years (2020-2022) – more than 20,500 men and 20,400 women could develop cancer.

Habits such as smoking, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, unhealthy diet (ultra-processing, sausage), people over 50 and obesity, have led to an increased incidence of cancer among Brazilians.

The campaign highlights risky behaviors, symptoms of illness, care and preventive measures, in addition to emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis.

Colorectal Cancer Month asks important questions about prevention and detection of the disease. Dissemination of this information facilitates the population’s access to information that is critical to obtaining the appropriate treatment,” emphasizes Dr. Cuperada, colorectal specialist from UNIMED Cuiaba, Dr. Fernanda Barros.

Behavioral factors contribute to the onset of the disease

In the INCA projection that 40,000 new cases of bowel cancer could be diagnosed by the end of 2022, the institute also warns: Of the projected total, nearly 30% can only be avoided by changing habits.

Dr Fernanda Barros warns that “behavioral factors, such as poor diet, smoking and lack of physical activity are considered risky and, unfortunately, are very present in the Brazilian population.”

The expert points out that some changes in the eating routine and the inclusion of healthy habits can prevent the onset of the disease. “It is important to emphasize that conditions whose origin is in behavior are modifiable, as opposed to genetic factors, which do not change. Obesity, for example, is a factor that, in addition to an increased risk of bowel cancer, has a worse prognosis than in non-obese patients, as The doctor explains.

In addition to obesity, lack of physical activity, increased intake of raw foods and red meat, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are also risk factors associated with behavior that can lead to colorectal cancer.

Although most cases of colorectal cancer are sporadic, part of the diagnoses are due to genetic factors. “These genetic risk factors may confer a sufficiently high risk. Knowing how to recognize the factors that suggest screening and allow early initiation of treatment,” Fernanda wonders.

Genetic factors that contribute to the development of the disease include: people with a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, adenomatous polyposis, and exposure to ionizing radiation.

symptoms

• blood in the stool;
• changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or persistent constipation);
• abdominal discomfort;
• colic;
• Pain in the anal area.
• weakness;
• Anemia and sudden weight loss.

protection

• try to maintain an appropriate weight;
• Try to include physical activity in your routine;
• give preference to a healthy diet;
• reduce the consumption of sausage and red meat to a minimum;
• Do not smoke or expose yourself to smoking.

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live well

Watercolor of Health is an activity of the Viver Bem Program of the Center for Preventive Medicine of Unimed Cuiabá.

The program provides information that helps prevent disease and treat those who have already been diagnosed.

Learn more through www.unimedcuiaba.coop.br Or by calling 8800-3612.