Colorectal cancer is currently one of the most common neoplasms in the world, with more than 1,200,000 new cases and about 700,000 deaths from this cause annually. In Romania, colorectal cancer ranks second among women and third among men. Regular screening for colorectal cancer is the most effective method of diagnosis, and timely intervention increases the chances of recovery.

According to data published by the Coalition of Patient Organizations with Chronic Diseases in Romania, in the European Union alone, 190,000 men and 150,000 women were diagnosed with this disease in 2020, and 156,000 people died as a result of the disease. In other words, according to Smartliving.ro, it is believed that a person with colorectal cancer dies every three minutes in Europe.

The effectiveness of treatment is very high in the early stages

As far as Romania is concerned, colorectal cancer is the second most common disease among women and the third most common among men (according to Globocan 2020), registering more than 6,000 deaths caused by this pathology annually. Although these data are worrisome, there is one very important aspect of colorectal cancer: this type of cancer is highly treatable if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage. Back to the numbers, early-detected colorectal cancer has a 90% 5-year survival rate, while localized cancer has a 5-year survival rate of only 40%. When the diagnosis is made only at the IV stage of the disease, the 5-year survival rate, unfortunately, drops sharply to 14-15%.

Screening, the most effective form of prevention

Unfortunately. There is no surefire way to prevent colorectal cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. On the one hand, intervention on risk factors, and on the other, periodic screening for colorectal cancer.

Screening is aimed at detecting the condition when its symptoms are not yet present, with the help of general studies, as well as specific for each individual disease, and is the most effective form of prevention. In the case of colorectal cancer, its evolution is slow and stepwise, from a precancerous lesion to a tumor, screening can definitely be a lifesaver.

It should be emphasized that from the moment when the abnormal cells start to turn into polyps (abnormal neoplasms in the colon), it takes 10 to 15 years for them to turn into a cancerous tumor. Polyps detected during screening tests can be removed before they become cancerous, thus eliminating the risk of the disease. Their removal (polypectomy) is a simple procedure that is performed endoscopically, often even during a screening colonoscopy. Screening can also detect colorectal cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat and has a very good survival rate.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening

Colon cancer screening can be done with several types of tests, both for detection and prevention, but colonoscopy remains the gold standard in this regard.

The age at which colorectal cancer screening should begin is controversial. Authorities in the field are divided into two camps: some say that if a person is at average risk of the disease, they should undergo screening tests starting at age 50, while others believe that 45 would be better. . “Average risk” means that the person has no family history of colorectal polyps or cancer.

However, if there is a family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, the risk of inheriting the disease is greater, in which case the person should consider genetic testing to determine how likely the risk is. However, genetic testing does not preclude periodic screening.

For these people who are at increased risk, testing should ideally begin before the age of 40 or 10 years earlier than the person with the first diagnosis in the family. For example, if a first-degree relative was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 43, say, the person should begin screening tests (a colonoscopy every 5 years) at age 33.

Early screening is also recommended for people who have two or more first-degree relatives diagnosed with colorectal cancer or advanced adenomatous polyp at any age (colonoscopy every five years). It’s also important to check and monitor people who have family members with Lynch syndrome, or if they themselves have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, because they have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

The number of new cases of colorectal cancer is increasing, especially in the 20-34 age group. A large number of tumors that appear at a young age, are diagnosed in late stages, are more aggressive and often fatal.

In young people, colonoscopy is not always necessary as an initial examination. Especially since young people do not really find time for such research, and not necessarily… they willingly do it, unfairly fearing possible discomfort. The worst option is to do nothing with the health check.

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