Navy Blue March Campaign focuses on preventing colorectal cancer

In the month of March, the color navy blue gains prominence as a symbol of the colorectal cancer prevention campaign, an initiative that seeks to raise awareness among the population about the importance of preventing and diagnosing the disease early.

Colorectal, or bowel, cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in Brazil in general terms, behind only non-melanoma skin, breast and prostate. It is more common in the age group over 50, but has also increased among people aged 20 to 49.

Data from Inca (National Cancer Institute) indicate that each year of the 2023-2025 period, around 46 thousand new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed.

Both the prevention and diagnosis of bowel cancer necessarily include colonoscopy imaging. This exam evaluates the colon, the final portions of the intestine and, during it, it is possible, for example, to remove a polyp that would later turn into cancer.

Established in Londrina for 29 years, Gastroimagem brings together seven gastroenterologists in its clinical team, specialists in carrying out colonoscopy and digestive endoscopy exams, led by the managing partners Alberto Toshio Oba, Celso Andrade Cesar de Oliveira and Sérgio Ricardo Spinosa.

To mark the Março Azul-Marinho campaign and encourage prevention, during the month the clinic will perform around 20 free colonoscopies for SUS patients who are waiting to take the exam.

According to the managing partners of Gastroimagem, engagement in the campaign is essential. “People need to know that early diagnosis offers up to a 90% chance of cure and is possible by simply carrying out a colonoscopy”, explains doctor Alberto Toshio Oba.

SYMPTOMS

In the early stages, colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms and is considered a silent disease.

Signs usually appear in more advanced stages, including diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, change in the shape of stool or gastrointestinal behavior, blood in the stool, gas or cramps, vomiting or nausea, pain in the anal region or a feeling of fullness even after evacuation.

Therefore, carrying out periodic tests, such as colonoscopy, even in the absence of obvious symptoms, is essential.

Read the full report in FOLHA DE LONDRINA: