Represented by the green ribbon, the month of September marks the Campaign for the Prevention of Bowel Cancer, also known as colon and rectal or colorectal cancer. This disease covers all tumors in the large intestine, rectum (immediately before the anus) and anus, and is the second type of cancer with the highest incidence in men and women in Brazil, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA).
Bowel cancer is treatable through surgery and may later require chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Note that it is curable when diagnosed early. The main risk factors for the onset of this tumor are age equal to or greater than 50 years, excess body weight, a diet low in fiber and rich in processed meats, such as sausage, mortadella, ham and salami, for example, and excessive intake of red meat, above 500 grams of cooked meat per week.
The most common signs and symptoms that may indicate this disease are: blood in the stool, abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia and change in bowel habits, alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation. As these changes can indicate diseases other than bowel cancer, it is very important that they are investigated by a doctor, especially when they last longer than a week.
Stay tuned! This topic will also be addressed at Mário Penna Conecta on September 22 with Dr. Alice Capobiango.
- Text written by the Continuing Education team