The Importance of Colon Cancer Prevention
Colon cancer is one of the most widespread cancers globally, significantly affecting both men and women. Polyps, which are benign, represent the early stage in the development of colon cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2020, approximately 1.9 million new cases and 935,000 deaths were recorded worldwide, making colon cancer the third most common and the fourth most fatal type of cancer. In Greece, about 6,000 new cases are reported annually.
The appearance of polyps and colon cancer is influenced by various risk factors, which relate to environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as genetic and hereditary components. Key symptoms of lower gastrointestinal malignancies include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, anemia, and weight loss. However, symptoms may not be noticeable in the early stages.
Preventive screening methods are classified as invasive and non-invasive. Colonoscopy is considered the most reliable method for prevention and diagnosis. It is a safe invasive procedure performed after appropriate preparation with the patient under sedation, allowing the entire colon to be examined and any polyps to be removed endoscopically. If the examination is normal, follow-up is done in 10 years, while if any findings are detected, follow-up occurs sooner, based on international guidelines. Stool tests for blood loss (FOBT/FIT) are non-invasive, performed annually, and if positive, a colonoscopy should be conducted as the presence of hemoglobin in the stool may indicate the presence of polyps or cancer. CT Colonography is a non-invasive imaging test that creates a three-dimensional image of the colon after appropriate preparation. If any findings are detected, a traditional colonoscopy is required for confirmation and further management.
The appropriate time for preventive screening is determined by age and family history. In individuals without symptoms or a personal history of colon polyp removal or malignancy, screening is recommended to begin at age 50. However, newer guidelines suggest beginning surveillance at age 45.
Screening should start earlier in individuals at high risk, such as those with: a family history of colon cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative, a family history of colon cancer or polyps in two or more second-degree relatives, or a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Specifically, if a first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer before age 60, screening should begin at age 40 or 10 years earlier than the age of the relative’s diagnosis (whichever is earlier). Additionally, for individuals with genetic syndromes that increase cancer risk, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), screening should begin even earlier, often during adolescence.
Colon cancer has a survival rate of over 90% when diagnosed at an early stage. Contact a gastroenterologist, get informed, and schedule a colonoscopy. Prevention saves lives!
