Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in men and women in Cyprus, while, according to the cancer registry, in 2020, 233 new cases were presented in men and 143 in women, a total of 376.< /p>
According to an announcement by the Pancypriot Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (PASYKAF) colon cancer “is diagnosed with the same frequency in both men and women, however 90% of of cases is curable when detected early”.
As stated by PASYKAF “colon cancer has a good prognosis if it is treated early and correctly so it is important for the public to know the symptoms and risk factors which include changes in bowel habits such as the frequency of bowel movements or the composition of the stool , persistent abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, unexplained fatigue or weakness and unexplained weight loss, nausea or frequent vomiting.'
The doctor should be contacted immediately to determine the cause of the symptoms which may be related to other health problems, however, only the doctor can determine their true cause.
According to what the announcement states, “risk factors for developing colon cancer are smoking, alcohol, a diet high in fat and low in fiber, and lack of exercise.”
In addition, high-risk groups, i.e. people over 45 years of age who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, with a family history of colon cancer or the presence of polyps, Type 2 diabetes or elevated insulin levels, are advised to proceed with further investigation for the possibility of developing colon cancer.
It is noted that the usual age of onset of this cancer is after the age of 50 and for this reason it is recommended that the first colonoscopy be performed at this age and if it is normal to be repeated every 5 years.
In addition, as part of its actions for the early detection of colon cancer, PASYKAF through Althea, the gastrointestinal treatment group of Cancer, in collaboration with the Board of Directors of the Association of Clinical Laboratory Directors, Biomedical and Clinical Laboratory Scientists, is offering a free fecal blood test (FOBt) for the entire month of March until April 18, to people over 45 years of age.
