The numbers of new cases of colorectal cancer continue to increase. According to SEOM (Spanish Society of Medical Oncology), it is expected that in 2024 almost 44,300 people will obtain this diagnosis (in 2023 the data pointed to 42,800 new colorectal tumors). “The problem that specialists are encountering is that those diagnosed are increasingly younger, which in turn means that the cancers are in more advanced stages. Up to 25% debut with the disease already advanced,” he explains in Dr. Gonzalo Guerramedical director and head of the general and digestive surgery service at the Medical-Surgical Center for Digestive Diseases (www.cmed.es).
One of the main causes of developing colorectal cancer is age. In this way, in Spain screening campaigns begin from the age of 50. However, in USA The age dropped to 45 years in 2018, since forecasts indicate that early-onset colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of death from cancer in 2030.
Although it is true that heredity and genetic load seem to be the main responsible for colorectal cancer, suffering from other diseases such as familial polyposis, Inflammatory Bowel Diseasel as well as eating a diet rich in fats, ultra-processed foods and rich in sugars and refined flours and low in fiber; smoking habit; Alcohol consumption; being overweight and obese; and a sedentary lifestyle are some of the causes that are known to increase the risk of colon cancer.
«Collecting all this data and conducting a study of it is what should be taken into account when prescribing early detection tests. Performing a colonoscopy can be essential to prevent the appearance of colon cancer, since a large majority of cases can appear on pre-existing polyps,” says the Dr. Gonzalo Guerra.
colonic polyps They are abnormal growths of tissue that form in the wall of the colon and rectum. If they are not removed, over time, they can become malignant and cause colorectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, if they are detected, they can be removed, thus solving the problem in a simple way and with little risk, preventing them from progressing to colorectal cancer.
Why don't you go to the doctor at the first symptoms?
Some reasons can be identified why patients under 50 years of age do not go to the specialist when they suspect they have colorectal cancer, concludes the medical director of CMED:
– Age: The incidence of colorectal cancer increases with age, so it is usually identified with older people, not young people. “But we must keep in mind that currently it is recommended to start with early detection tests from the age of 50 and, in the case of a family history, from the age of 40,” adds Dr. Guerra.
– Lack of knowledge of symptoms: Having blood in the stool is the symptom most associated with colon cancer. However, being tired and having anemia, presenting changes in the intestinal rhythm or the shape of the stool, are more unknown symptoms and on which social awareness campaigns must insist.
– Tobacco and alcohol: a high percentage of the population associates smoking only with lung cancer, as well as alcohol consumption with cirrhosis or liver cancer, without taking into account that they are also associated with an increase in cases of colorectal cancer. . “One more example that the population must be “educated” in disease prevention throughout the year, not just on designated days,” says Guerra.
– Fear: both when performing a colonoscopy and when diagnosing the disease. “Today this test is completely painless, as it is performed with sedation, and has a very low complication rate. On the other hand, we must be aware that, detected early, colon cancer can be cured in more than 90% of cases” according to the medical director of CMED.