Blue March: colorectal cancer can be diagnosed free of charge by SUS

With almost 2 million cases per year, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of disease in Brazil and the world. Although it can lead to death, this type of cancer is treatable and curable, with colonoscopy as the main form of prevention, offered free of charge by the SUS through referral from Basic Health Units.

This March, considered the month dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, the Department of Health, through the Coordination of Chronic Diseases, joins the League of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy of Arapiraca (LAGED), made up of students from the UFAL medical course , to provide information to the population and encourage regular demand for health services to carry out preventive exams.

In honor of the National Day to Combat Colorectal Cancer, a major health education action will be held this Saturday (23), starting at 8:30 am, at Praça Deputado Marques da Silva. In 2024, the slogan adopted to drive the campaign is “Doctor & Patient – ​​Partnership that saves! Let’s avoid bowel cancer together.”

The disease is silent and requires attention

Colorectal cancer, also called colon and rectal cancer, normally does not present symptoms in its initial phase, which reinforces the importance of carrying out preventive exams. Colonoscopy is the main form of prevention and should be done by every citizen over 45 years old, man or woman.

Age is the main risk factor for the disease, but if there is a personal or family history, it is important that screening is done first. Some symptoms that may appear are: the presence of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, pain when evacuating, diarrhea or constipation that does not go away, unexplained weight loss and changes in appetite.