Diagnosis carried out in the early stages of bowel cancer can increase the chances of cure to more than 90%. However, a major obstacle remains: many people ignore early symptoms or delay seeking medical help. A recent survey, conducted by the A.C.Camargo Cancer Center in collaboration with Nexus, highlights the population’s lack of knowledge about tests capable of identifying the disease even before signs appear.
The study points out that, although 67% of those interviewed know that the presence of blood in the stool can indicate colorectal cancer and 80% consider this a serious warning, almost half of the 9% who noticed the symptom did not seek medical attention. This data highlights a crucial gap between signal recognition and effective action.
During her treatment for bowel cancer, singer Preta Gil reported that it took her a while to connect her symptoms to the disease. She experienced intense constipation for approximately six months and observed changes in her stool, such as blood, mucus and changes in shape, without imagining that they could be indicators of a tumor.
Administrator Paulo’s experience was similar, when he noticed episodes of bleeding. He initially associated the problem with his diet or the presence of hemorrhoids.
However, experts warn that this is a common confusion. “Not everything that bleeds from the rectum is a hemorrhoid”, emphasizes Dr. Drauzio Varella, highlighting the importance of a professional investigation.
Increase in bowel cancer cases among young people worries experts
Historically, colorectal cancer was more common in individuals over the age of 50. However, recent research indicates an increase in the incidence of the disease in younger adults.
A survey by A.C.Camargo reveals that, in the state of São Paulo, cases in people under 50 years of age had an annual increase of almost 3% between the years 2000 and 2023. Although the exact cause has not yet been fully established, experts consider that factors such as inadequate eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle and other elements linked to the modern lifestyle are the most likely hypotheses for this trend.
The importance of early diagnosis and the arrival of a new protocol by the SUS
Doctors emphasize the need not to ignore any intestinal changes. When cancer is detected in its early stages, even before obvious symptoms appear, the chances of recovery exceed 90%.
An effective tool in this process is the fecal immunological test (FIT), capable of identifying hidden blood in feces, imperceptible to the naked eye. However, two thirds of Brazilians are unaware of the existence of this test, which contributes to delays in diagnosis.
The expectation is that this scenario will change with the implementation of a new national colorectal cancer screening protocol. This initiative foresees the availability of the FIT exam by the SUS, aiming to expand prevention and early diagnosis in Brazilians aged between 50 and 75 years. Experts say that FIT has a sensitivity of over 95% as a screening method. If the result is positive, the patient is referred for a colonoscopy, an exam that confirms the diagnosis and allows the removal of polyps before they transform into malignant tumors.
