Colorectal Cancer: Highly Preventable
Screening can intercept the disease at the polyp stage.
Dr. Anne-Sophie Lefèvre
Oncologist
FIT (faecal immunochemical test) every 1-2 years and colonoscopy every 10 years are the main strategies. Family history may justify earlier or more frequent screening.
Warning signs
Persistent change in bowel habit, blood in stool, iron deficiency anaemia, unexplained weight loss, or abdominal pain warrant prompt evaluation.
Modifiable risk factors
- Processed meat and excess red meat
- Low fibre intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Tobacco and alcohol
Treatment
Surgery cures most localized cancers. Adjuvant chemotherapy, targeted agents and immunotherapy improve outcomes in advanced disease.
FIT tests are painless, done at home, and detect about 80% of cancers when used regularly.
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