Worldwide, colon cancer is the third in incidence. In both sexes and in the province of Holguin it gains new diagnoses every year. March 31 is the day that the global body is dedicated to the fight against this disease.
Given the trend of increase reflected in this northeastern territory of Cuba in recent years. Warns the director of the Territorial Oncology Center of Holguin (COT), an oncologist by profession, Pedro Escalona Díaz.
What causes affect colon neoplasia?
“Like any oncological disease, it is multifactorial and depends on many endogenous and exogenous factors for its development. It is a disease that has recently gained incredible strength. As we have not seen for many years, especially with a high incidence in young patients between 40 and 50 years of age. It shows a greater behavior in males.”
“It is a disease that worldwide has its most frequent incidence in people over 50 or 60 years of age. However, here in the Cuban population it is being seen in younger patients.”
Is there any predisposition to developing colon cancer?
“It depends on endogenous factors such as sex, race and heredity. There are hereditary diseases such as familial hereditary polyposis or Peutz-Jeghers síndrome. Which is a genetic condition that causes the development of non-cancerous tumors in the digestive system. The aforementioned diseases predispose patients to develop colon neoplasia.”
As for the most frequent symptoms that make us suspect the presence of this type of tumour.
“Although we are facing a condition with diverse symptoms. Generally gastro-abdominal, patients who begin with a feeling of fullness. With dark feces, others have frequent diarrhea without any symptoms of indigestion. They begin with diffuse abdominal pain, usually on the right side of the abdomen that then moves to the left side. Always accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as reflux, abdominal distension and anemia.”
“In addition, symptoms appear in more advanced stages of the disease. Such as not being able to defecate, peritonitis, intestinal occlusions due to tumors. And all these types of symptoms that show that the tumor is already much more advanced.”
What risk factors can be modified to avoid suffering from this cancer?
“We can influence diet, which means more than five percent to develop this disease. Because a diet that contains few proteins, fruits and vegetables triggers the appearance of this disease and symptoms at an earlier age. In addition, diets rich in condiments, supersaturated fats, spicy fats, some foods that are very acidic can also trigger it should be avoided. In addition to smoking.”
Where are the main treatment options concentrated?
“As for the main treatment of this location, it is surgery, which guarantees the survival of the patient. It is a disease that is usually always operated on. Even if it is in advanced stages to alleviate the symptoms suffered by the patient. That’s where chemotherapy comes from, where patients complete up to 12 cycles and sometimes radiation is necessary. I reiterate the main weapon is surgery. As it is the one that goes to the to achieve the patient’s survival.”
What is the prognosis for a patient diagnosed with colon cancer?
“We always give the prognosis as reserved in the first five years. Those are those first five years crucial for all cancer patients, not only those who have colon cancer. This time is important because a patient who achieves a survival free of this disease for five years is a success. It is an achievement for any family that their close one achieves that survival.
“In addition, this diagnosis includes follow-up, rectoscopy, digital rectal examination, abdominal X-rays, follow-up through ultrasound, colon due to edema. And a series of necessary studies to be able to monitor the disease and act at the closest time it appears.
“Other advances have been made in the world, essentially through chemotherapy. With immunotherapies, high-tech drugs but that have not really achieved the survival that scientists dedicated to this field of research would like.
“We are positioned as a leading country in the surgery of this disease. Because we managed to perform large-scale surgeries.
Such as abdominoperineal resection, a surgery where general surgeons, proctologists, vascular surgeons are needed. And we achieve it with great success and survival of patients, thanks to this technique. Also to a large extent by professional preparation and training, aimed at maintaining such achievements”.
Moreover anyone with blood in the stool or continuous changes in bowel habits. Persistent abdominal pain, fatigue and unexplained weight loss should see a doctor. Hence this specialist’s warning about predisposing risk factors
About colon cancer, the population of Holguin needs to know to prevent it. If it is diagnosed treat it in a timely manner, preventive actions that contribute to winning the fight against cancer. Beyond a date, but on a daily basis.
Translated by Radio Angulo
- Holguin Present at the 5th UNIANDES Scientific Congress - 25 de April de 2025
- Polio Vaccination Campaign to Immunize Children in Holguin - 22 de April de 2025
- UCMHo Distinction for Education Awards to Lenin Professionals - 13 de April de 2025