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Bowel cancer concerns young people and adults; know the risks and symptoms

The National Cancer Institute (Inca) estimates, for the three-year period from 2023 to 2025, more than 45,000 cases of bowel cancer per annum. According to Inca, around 20 new cases are expected for every 100,000 men and 21 for every 100,000 women.

Intestinal cancer, also called colorectal or colon and rectum, encompasses tumors that start in the large intestine (colon), rectum (end of intestine) and anus.

The most common signs and symptoms are: presence of blood in the stool, pain and frequent abdominal cramps lasting more than 30 days, change in intestinal rhythm such as diarrhea or constipation, rapid and unintentional weight loss, in addition to anemia, fatigue and weakness.

The number of hospitalizations for bowel cancer has increased by 64% in the last ten years, a result that worries specialists from different areas.

Diet influences the risk of bowel cancer

The development of bowel cancer is strongly impacted by diet. Low-fiber diets and excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods (see below ) contribute to the development of the disease.

In the last ten years, the consumption of ultra-processed foods by Brazilians had an average increase of 5.5%, according to a study on the profile of consumers, released by the Revista de Saúde Pública of the University of São Paulo (USP), carried out by the Núcleo of Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health (Nupens/USP).

The main means of preventing the tumor is changing lifestyle habits, according to the head of the Division of Early Detection and Support to the Organization of the Inca Network, Arn Migowski.

“Obesity, smoking and consumption of alcohol and processed meats, such as sausage, sausage, bacon, ham, salami and mortadella, are all risk factors”, warns Migowski, in a statement. “There are studies that indicate that the consumption of 50 grams of this processed meat is capable of increasing the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 18%”, he adds.

The expert points out that the consumption of red meat should be limited. “The recommendation is up to 500 grams of red meat per week. In addition, fruits, greens and vegetables are auxiliary foods, which must be consumed in at least 5 daily servings, as they ensure the proper functioning of the intestine and help prevent cancer. We need to remember that most cases do not have hereditary influence, that is, a family factor, but rather risk factors like these, linked to lifestyle”, he reinforces.

Arn also explains that, even though it is called colorectal cancer, the designation of the name refers to the appearance of the tumor depending on the portion of the intestine. “Rectum cancer is the one that happens in the final part, before the anus, while colon cancer affects the rest of the large intestine”, he clarifies.

In addition to diet, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, advanced age and smoking can influence the development of colorectal cancer.

Learn how to identify ultra-processed foods

Source: CNN Brasil

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