This March 31 is World Colon Cancer Day, with the purpose of raising awareness among the population about the importance of prevention and timely detection of this disease. According to the Pan American Health Organization, 240,000 new cases are detected every year, of which 96,000 patients die. Likewise, in Peru alone, 4,636 new cases are diagnosed each year, of which 2,635 fail to recover, according to the Ministry of Health. Therefore, early detection and treatment are key to combat or controlling this condition. In this opportunity, Dr. Rafael Garatea, Coordinator of the General Surgery and Oncological Surgery Services of the Clínica Ricardo Palma, gives us important information that we should not miss.

1. CRC colorectal cancer develops slowly and takes a long time before causing symptoms. It originates in the colon or rectum and most often presents with pre-malignant lesions called polyps. These lesions begin as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
2. Some of the causes that predispose the appearance of this neoplasm are overweight, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high consumption of fats, sausages, processed products, and red meat, as well as excessive intake of alcohol, tobacco, and harmful habits.
3. Its most frequent symptoms are alteration of the evacuatory rhythm or bowel movements, anemia, abdominal pain, presence of blood in stool and rectal bleeding.
4. After the age of 50, the risk of suffering this pathology increases in both sexes or in those with a family or personal history of polyposis, previous neoplasms (breast, ovarian, gynecological, or gastric cancer) or inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
5. To prevent this type of cancer, it is advisable to follow a balanced nutritional regimen, increase the consumption of fiber, vegetables, fruit, eat little animal fat, exercise at least 3 times a week, do not smoke or drink and undergo screening studies once a year if there is a family history of the pathology.
6. Globally, since 2018, the number of CRC cases in people under 45 years of age has increased. Therefore, in many countries it is recommended to start screening at this age.
7. Fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, contrast study and sometimes virtual colonoscopy are the tests performed for the detection of CRC. If diagnosed early, 90% of the time it can be cured.
8. According to the moment of diagnosis, the treatments vary. If it is endoscopic (colonoscopy), resection of the lesion or polyp may be sufficient. If this is not the best option, the procedure can be surgical and can be complemented with pre- or post-operative chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Therefore, it is recommended to go to a specialized center with trained professionals who can offer all the therapeutic and counseling alternatives.
9. Lima, La Libertad, Arequipa, Lambayeque, and Cajamarca are the departments with the highest incidence of colorectal cancer.
10. Callao, San Martin, Ayacucho, and Ica are the places where the highest number of deaths by CRC are registered.

Remember that depending on family history and/or risk factors, it is advisable to have preventive check-ups starting at 45 years of age.

Dr. Rafael Garatea
Coordinator of the General Surgery and
Oncological Surgery Services of the Clínica Ricardo Palma