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Already common in some European countries and in the USA, in Brazil the third month of the year has also been consolidating itself as March Azul Marinho.
As in the other months that make up the Annual Calendar of Colors, it is important that everyone gets involved and does their part, publicizing, participating and, above all, getting information, as broad and correct information is the main path for prevention and early detection and, consequently, a decrease in fatal cases.
What is Navy Blue March?
In March Azul Marinho campaigns, the actions aim to bring information about the prevention and combat of colorectal cancer, sometimes also referred to by the acronym CCR. The month was chosen because March 27 is the National Day to Combat Intestine Cancer and the affected organs are part of this.
According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), this is the third most common type in Brazil.
It is estimated that around 41,000 new cases a year appear in the country, data that were confirmed in 2020 according to the same INCA, when 20,520 men and 20,470 women were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with almost 20,000 deaths resulting from the illness.
Another data that shows the seriousness with which the problem must be faced is that CRC is the second most frequent type of cancer among men, second only to prostate cancer.
The Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (Sobed), the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB), the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), in addition to other medical societies, as well as the Ministry of Health together with SUS and INCAhave developed a series of actions to raise awareness about this health problem.
What is colorectal cancer (CRC)?
It is characterized by the appearance of tumors that occur in different portions of the large intestine, in regions called the colon, rectum (final region of the digestive tract and anterior to the anus) and anus.
Most of these tumors start from polyps, benign lesions that can grow on the inner wall of the large intestine, but that can be identified and removed through colonoscopy. The CCR develops gradually by a change in the cells that begin to grow in a disorderly way and without showing any symptoms in its initial phase.
What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer (CRC)?
Although in some cases the symptoms below may indicate other problems and they may vary according to the location of the cancer (colon, rectum or anus), with the appearance of any of them, a coloproctologist or a gastroenterologist should be consulted for evaluation. and correct diagnosis, as some of them are also associated with other diseases of the intestine and rectum.
- Presence of blood in the stool;
- Change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constant constipation);
- Pain or discomfort when defecating and abdominal mass (abnormal enlargement involving the abdomen);
- Weakness, tiredness and indisposition without reasons;
- Constant anemia (detected in a blood test);
- Weight loss for no apparent reason;
- Change in the shape of the stool.
How is colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosed?
Colon and rectal cancer is diagnosed primarily through a test called colonoscopy, which is similar to endoscopy, in which the doctor has direct visualization of the inner walls of the intestine. In addition, in the same exam, it is possible to perform the removal and/or biopsies of polyps and suspicious lesions.
For a preliminary and preventive investigation, the analysis of occult blood in the stool, when detected, may be suggested. It should also be noted that CRC can be treated in the precancerous phase, if identified by the aforementioned tests.
Whatever the case, medical follow-up is essential to determine the accurate diagnosis and necessary procedures.
CRC is a type that has a good chance of being cured, especially if identified in the early stages, which is why the need for medical follow-up in the event of the aforementioned symptoms is reinforced.
What is the treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC)?
It is a treatable disease and as stated before, often curable. According to Instituto Oncoguiaa five-year survival rate is estimated for 90% of cases, when the diagnosis is made and, consequently, treatment is started in the initial stage of the disease.
The treatment depends mainly on the size, location and extension of the tumor, with surgery being the main way for the tumor to be removed, but there are also frequent cases in which there is a need for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, in addition to the aid of medicines.
Prevention of colorectal cancer (CCR)
As in many other forms, but especially in this type of cancer, it is known that some factors can increase the chances or even be decisive in its appearance, and some are of behavioral origin and, therefore, can be avoided:
- Age – often appears in people over 50 years old;
- Hereditary – family history of bowel cancer
- Diet – preference should be given to fresh and minimally processed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, legumes, grains and seeds and foods rich in fiber. Avoid or reduce the consumption of red and processed meats (sausage, sausage, ham, mortadella, salami, bacon, etc.) and foods that contain saturated fats;
- Activities – sedentary lifestyle and overweight are risk factors, therefore, regular physical activity and maintaining adequate weight for height and physical size is essential;
- Habits – smoking and regular consumption of alcoholic beverages also potentiate CRC, as well as other types of cancer.
The role of companies in preventing and fighting colorectal cancer (CRC)
Just as it has been the case for some time with the Pink October and Blue November campaigns, the whole of society needs to get involved to raise awareness about the main diseases that affect us, especially those that can be avoided or prevented.
In times when companies are increasingly required to establish an ESG agenda, to adhere to creating their own internal campaigns, aiming to bring information to their employees, or even to their partners, suppliers and customers, is to act with social responsibility and even with developments in the quality of life at work, when, for example, in those where there is a cafeteria, the menu is designed considering the prevention of this and other diseases that have an influencing factor in food.
Conclusion
Blue Navy is the color of the month of March, in which actions aim to inform everyone about the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
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