In Chile, 9 people die every day from colorectal cancer, a disease that has become the second most common type of cancer in men and women, with more than 6,700 new diagnoses, according to the 2022 projections of the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan).
The disease, which can be prevented and cured when diagnosed early, also represents the second cause of death from cancer in our country, and has registered a 45% increase in the number of deaths during the last decade, with more than 28,800 deaths. , according to data from the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS).
Colorectal cancer occurs when healthy cells in the inner walls of the colon (large intestine) or rectum (canal that connects the final part of the large intestine to the anus) change and begin to grow uncontrollably. The truth is that despite its high incidence and mortality, it is a disease that can be prevented, diagnosed early and cured in 9 out of 10 cases when it is detected in early stages.
Hence the need to continue advancing in terms of education and awareness in the community. In this sense, the Arturo López Pérez Foundation (FALP), a leading cancer center and the only health institution in Chile accredited by the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), is developing its “Keep your path clear” campaign. Through it, it seeks to promote a greater culture of self-care in communities, through the delivery of information that allows identifying risk factors and promoting more responsible behaviors in caring for people’s health.
This is how Dr. Macarena Larraín, gastroenterologist at the Arturo López Pérez Foundation (FALP) explains it: “If we want to see changes in incidence, we need to continue advancing in the implementation of public policies aimed at generating changes in the lifestyles associated with obesity, consumption of processed and red meats, smoking, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyle. From the clinical side, we also have to promote early detection of the hand of tests such as the test for hidden bleeding in stools and colonoscopy from the age of 45.”
LOCAL REALITY
As is happening at the country level, colorectal cancer has had a strong impact in regions during the last decade (2014-2023). In fact, the O’Higgins region recorded an increase of more than 50% in the number of deaths, with more than 1,600 deaths. Of them, 54% were men and the remaining 46% were women.
The most affected communes were Rancagua with 26% of the deaths, San Fernando with 8%, Rengo, San Vicente and Machalí with 6%, Santa Cruz with 5% and Chimbarongo with 4%, respectively.
Regarding the most affected age range, 52% of deaths were recorded in people between 70-89 years old, followed by 34% between 50-69 years old.
Dr. Larraín comments that among the aspects that can explain the increase in deaths “is the aging of the population, since the older the age, the greater the risk, unhealthy behaviors in diet, alcohol consumption, tobacco and sedentary lifestyle, and Finally, the impact of the COVID pandemic that produced a significant delay in diagnoses and treatments.”
The specialist adds that “in addressing this pathology, education is a primary aspect in raising people’s awareness, taking into account that 9 out of 10 patients who develop it do not have a direct family history, and that it is a silent pathology”.
It should be noted that, in its beginnings, colorectal cancer does not present symptoms. In more advanced stages, it can cause bloody stools, a feeling of incomplete bowel movements, a change in bowel rhythm, narrower and/or thin stools, abdominal pain, weakness, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
More information on prevention and early detection of this disease at https://www.falp.org/landing/cancer-colorectal-2/
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