Updated | June 8, 2022 Author : Marília Cravo The risk factors associated with colorectal cancer are: Age – the incidence increases from the age of 50; History of colorectal cancer in 1 st degree relatives – parents, siblings or children; Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease); Personal history of breast, uterine or ovarian cancer; Overweight, obesity and smoking How important is colorectal cancer screening? Most colon and rectal cancers come from precursor lesions – adenomatous or serrated polyps, which take 5 to 10 years to develop into cancers. Hence, screening programs aim to identify and remove these polyps in order to prevent the appearance of cancers. Although bowel polyps and cancers may not produce any symptoms in their early stages, there are simple screening methods that can detect them at an early stage. The diagnosis and removal of colorectal polyps by colonoscopy significantly reduces the risk of malignant transformation. Treatment of colorectal cancer has a higher probability of success when the disease is detected early. The importance of “routine” examinations People without risk factors should have a faecal occult blood test starting from the age of 45 and repeat every 2 years. If this is positive, it should be followed by colonoscopy. Alternatively, colonoscopy can be performed from the age of 45-50 and, if normal, should only be repeated after 10 years. If there is a family history in first-degree relatives, the recommended method is colonoscopy starting at age 40. In any case, the screening test to be performed, the occasion and frequency for doing it, as well as the associated benefits and risks, should be discussed with the attending physician or gastroenterologist. What other preventive measures should be taken with regard to colorectal cancer? Diet is one of the factors to be taken into account with regard to prevention of the disease. A diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat and red meat may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Physical exercise and avoiding being overweight as well as alcohol and smoking are additional measures that also contribute to reducing the risk of colon and rectal cancer. A good diet will also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, diverticular disease, constipation and haemorrhoids, among other things. Therefore, it always better to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Meet the gastroenterology clinical team from Hospital da Luz network and book your consultation The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
