Given the alarming increase observed worldwide in diagnoses cancer at young ages, we looked for ways that might save us.
In addition to those that exist in Greece and are not enough, if you think about how USA has already “dropped” the age limit for colon cancer screening (ie, the state pays for it) to 45 years. We still have 50 years, although the new data are nightmarish.
This particular type of cancer has progressed to second most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. It is also the 3rd most common malignancy, after breast and lung cancer.
A recent study reported that on the other side of the Atlantic it is the No. 1 fatal cancer for men under the age of 50 and the No. 2 for women of the same age – with breast cancer firmly holding the lead.
In addition, it was found that when it occurs in people under the age of 50, it is more aggressive.
About all this and everything else that is useful to know, he talks to NEWS 24/7 o Konstantinos Tsimogiannisgeneral surgeon, specialized in colon and rectal surgery, laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
We asked him to explain the importance of screening in saving our souls and lives. First he clarified the following:
“Esimple and regular diagnostic check-up could save our lives».
“Cancer is easier to treat if it is detected early. Early diagnosis also ensures more and better treatment options. Therefore, screening is necessary, which takes only a few minutes, but can prove to be life-saving.”
The costs are covered by the insurance, based on national programs that run after its relevant decisions The European Union.
The EU’s target is for 90% of eligible people to be screened for breast, cervical and colon cancer by 2025.
Where ‘eligible’ refers to the age limits of each programme.
“In Europe there are organized screening programs for colon cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. In Greece, unfortunately, there is no state screening program apart from the program for breast cancer”.
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Dr. Tsimogiannis focused on the large intestine in which he specializes and which is one of the biggest headaches of the global medical community.
“Colon cancer is a malignant tumor that develops on the inner surface of the colon. The chance of a person developing the disease during their lifetime is 5-6%. 1/3 die from the disease.
Environmental and genetic factors (see heredity) increase the risk of developing it. Almost all colon cancers arise from polyps
There are several types of polyps. Fortunately, not all develop into cancer. The ones that can develop, through a process that lasts about ten years, are the adenomas.”
THE TYPES OF PREVENTIVE EXAMINATIONS
The specialist explains that there are many tests we can do to check our condition. They start “from the physical examination and the history. We do a physical examination to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of illness such as lumps or anything else that looks unusual. It is also taken, one record of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments.
Nexthere are the laboratory examinationthat is, the medical procedures they examine samples tissue, blood, urine the others substances on the body. We do too display (axial, ultrasound, magnetic, plain X-ray). There is also the laboratory examination in which they are analyzed cells the tissues to look for changes in genes or chromosomes.
These changes may be a sign that a person has or is at risk of having a particular disease or condition.”
Dr. Tsimogiannis added that “various preventive examinations are in stage evaluation. These include examining stool for genetic abnormalities associated with colon cancer, as well as a type of CT scan called a virtual colonoscopy. These tests are being studied and are not yet recommended as mainstream practice for screening.”
What problems can arise in preventive examinations?
“Some screening procedures can cause bleeding or other problems. For example, colon cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy can cause ruptures in the lining of the colon.
They are also possible falsely positively Results.
Screening test results may appear abnormal even though cancer is not present. A false positive test result (one that shows cancer is present when it really isn’t) can cause anxiety and is usually followed by more tests and procedures, which also have risks.
There is a possibility that it is falsely negatively the Results
Screening test results may appear normal even though cancer is present. A person who receives a false-negative test result (indicating that cancer is not present when it really is) may delay seeking medical care even if symptoms are present.”
Symptoms that should concern you
Because this type of cancer usually does not show early signs, when the health professional is visited, the stage is usually advanced.
Dr. Tsimogiannis emphasizes that “the patient should consult his doctor if it occurs blood in the stool, anemiachange in bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation or change in stool consistency or shape), abdominal pain, inflationafeeling that the bowel does not empty completely after defecation, weight loss and persistent fatigue.
The above symptoms are not necessarily related to colon cancer, but it is useful to get checked.
The diagnosis at an early, treatable stage of cancer – before the development of symptoms – or even in the pre-cancerous phase of polyps that can be removed and do not develop cancer».
How can we protect ourselves?
Since there is no organized screening program, what can we do on our own to save ourselves?
“If we do not belong to a high-risk group, we start with colonoscopies at the age of 45. The frequency will be determined by the findings of the first colonoscopy.”
Which people are in the high risk group? “That’s me family history of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer;. These people also need genetic testing.
Those who carry the abnormal gene or don’t know it should have a colonoscopy (because polyps and cancers in these people are usually in the right colon, the part of the bowel not checked by rectosigmoidoscopy) every two years from age 25.” .
Also in the high-risk group are “both people with idiopathic inflammatory disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s colitis). A colonoscopy with biopsies is required every one or two years, starting eight years after the onset of inflammation in the case of involvement of the entire intestine, or after fifteen years in the case of involvement of the rectum and sigmoid.”
