Popularly known as bowel cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Brazil according to INCA, the National Cancer Institute, which estimates the occurrence of more than 45 thousand new cases in the country in 2024 alone. Statistics like these are one of the reasons that led to the creation of the March Blue campaign, which, in its fourth year of existence, aims to raise awareness among the population about the symptoms, prevention and treatment of the disease.
Colon and rectal cancer occurs when malignant tumors form in a person’s large intestine.
“This organ is divided into 2 main parts, the colon, which is the initial section of the intestine, and the rectum, which would be the final portion”, explains Dr. Ana Carolina Parra, who is a coloproctologist at the Hélder Polido Institute, a center for reference in health in São Carlos.
According to the specialist, most of these tumors arise from adenomatous polyps, which are small benign lesions that can grow on the inner wall of the intestine. Depending on how they evolve, a genetic mutation may occur, transforming them into malignant tumors and causing problems.
Some of the most common symptoms related to bowel cancer are abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bleeding in the stool, increased urge to have a bowel movement or feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied after going to the bathroom.
But Dr. Ana Carolina warns: “As with any other type of cancer, the ideal is to discover its existence before symptoms take hold and begin to cause problems. Therefore, preventive exams are essential”, she highlights.
The existence of polyps in the intestine is identified through tests such as colonoscopy. This procedure can also remove polyps and, therefore, carrying out the examination is considered the main way to prevent and avoid the occurrence of colorectal cancer. In addition to colonoscopy, fecal occult blood testing can also detect problems that deserve attention.
“For those who do not have risk factors or predispositions, colonoscopy is recommended from 45 years of age onwards, an age group in which the disease becomes more prevalent in the general population”, advises the professional. But many people, due to lack of information or not feeling comfortable with the exam, end up disregarding this recommendation. Dr. Ana Carolina also highlights that “people with a family history of bowel cancer must undergo a colonoscopy as soon as possible”
Specialist in Coloproctology from USP, Dr. Ana Carolina admits that colonoscopy can be a somewhat invasive procedure, but is keen to reaffirm its importance for the prevention and treatment of the disease.
“The exam requires prior bowel preparation, and involves sedation, and this keeps some patients away. But it is essential to detect and remove polyps and initial tumors, as well as to collect material that will serve as the basis for the anatomopathological study, guiding which treatment is most suitable for each person”,
Ideally, if discovered at an early stage, malignant tumors can be eliminated by colonoscopy itself. That’s why this exam is so important.
“When colorectal cancer is discovered at an early stage, the vast majority of patients are completely cured”, celebrates Dr. Ana Carolina.
Unfortunately, 85% of bowel cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, according to the Brazilian Society of Coloproctology – SBCP. In these cases, treatment usually involves protocols recommended for other types of cancer, such as surgery to remove the tumor and chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, depending on each patient’s case. The specialist points out that, in many cases, the procedure involves a type of minimally invasive surgery, performed using the videolaparoscopy technique.
In addition to being up to date with exams, adopting a healthier lifestyle can also reduce the chances of colorectal cancer. According to the specialist at the Hélder Polido Institute, eating habits are important allies in prevention.
“Increasing your consumption of fiber and vegetables and reducing your intake of red meat and processed foods is highly recommended. Furthermore, cutting out smoking, avoiding excess alcohol and keeping your weight in check by practicing physical activities is also important”, advises Dr. Ana Carolina.
The coloproctologist reminds that people with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease, should also pay extra attention and maintain an exam routine, as they are part of the risk group.
Campaign illuminates monuments
In order to attract the attention of the population and increase its visibility, the March Blue campaign has been lighting monuments in several Brazilian states in blue throughout the month. The idea is to highlight the fight against bowel cancer and encourage Brazilians to adopt preventive measures.
This year, the campaign slogan is “Doctor and patient: a partnership that saves lives! Together in the prevention of bowel cancer”. According to SBCP, it is a clear message about the importance of prevention and early diagnosis, highlighting the relationship between trust between doctor and patient as fundamental for the effective detection of the disease.
Dr. Ana Carolina agrees, and highlights that at the Hélder Polido Institute, this connection between doctor and patient is encouraged. IHP practices so-called Integrative Medicine, a concept that sees the human being as a whole, being welcomed by doctors from different specialties, and puts the patient first in the treatment process.
“Integrative Medicine sees the patient as the protagonist of their treatment, and this involves a humanized welcome and a partnership relationship, which leads to better results. In the specific case of preventing and treating bowel cancer, this type of approach is even more important”, concludes the specialist.
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