Dr. Sérgio Araújo, a coloproctologist, said colonoscopy is the most effective exam for detecting and removing polyps before they become cancer.
Early detection is critical because colorectal cancer represents 10.39% [3] of all cancer cases in Brazil. Identifying precancerous polyps allows physicians to intervene before a malignancy develops, potentially saving lives through preventative surgery.
Speaking from the JP Saúde studio in Brazil, Araújo said the anatomical and clinical differences between tumors located in the colon and those in the rectum. While both are forms of intestinal cancer, their locations affect how they are diagnosed and treated.
Data indicates a significant burden of the disease within the Brazilian population. There are an estimated 45,000 [1] or more cases of intestinal cancer per year. The incidence rate is approximately 20 [2] new cases per 100,000 men and 21 [2] per 100,000 women.
Araújo said the primary goal of screening is the identification of polyps. These growths can be removed during a colonoscopy, which serves as both a diagnostic tool and a treatment method. This process prevents the progression of the disease by eliminating the source of the tumor.
Paulo Henrique de Sousa Fernandes said the disease is characterized by the development of a tumor in the large intestine [4]. Because symptoms may not appear until the cancer has progressed, regular screening is the only reliable way to ensure early-stage detection.
“Colonoscopy is the most effective exam for detecting and removing polyps before they become cancer.”
The emphasis on colonoscopy reflects a shift toward preventative gastroenterology in Brazil. By targeting the removal of polyps, healthcare providers aim to reduce the high annual incidence of intestinal cancer and lower the overall percentage of cancer cases attributed to the colorectal system.
