There were 21,700 deaths estimated in Italy in 2021 for colorectal cancer and of these about 11,500 concerned men and 10,200 women. In Europe, mortality from colorectal cancer corresponds to 12% of all cancer deaths, and currently the 5-year net survival after diagnosis is 65% in men and 66% in women. A percentage that rises to 77% and 79% respectively if we consider the probability of living another 4 years after passing the first year after diagnosis.
Yet, only 30% of Italians undergo regional screening for the search for occult blood in the faeces, an exam that falls within the Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA) and which only in 5% of cases it gives a positive result. Basically, 70% of the population gives up one of their rightswhich is to know in time a possible positivity and allow prompt intervention.
In fact, colorectal cancer is often the result of the evolution of benign lesions (adenomatous polyps) of the intestinal mucosa, which in 80% of cases they take from 7 to 15 years to transform into malignant forms. A sufficiently long time to be able to prevent the neoplasm, intervening with a simple endoscopic removal of the adenoma.
In Italy, colorectal cancers account for the incidence of second malignancy in women and the third in men. The AIOM Report The numbers of cancer in Italy estimate for the year 2022 48,100 new cases (26,000 in men and 22,100 in women, up on 2020 by +1.5% and +1.6% respectively).
“In the month dedicated internationally to raising awareness of colorectal cancer, we want to make a strong contribution to prevention and reassure the population, because only 2.5% of patients who are positive for the faecal occult blood test do colorectal cancer manifest itself in an advanced stage and, if diagnosed in time, it can be defeated», highlighted the Professor Marco Caricato, UOC Director of Colorectal Surgery of the Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation.
What to do if the screening is positive
To facilitate timely diagnosis, since 2019 a “open” outpatient clinic for colorectal canceraccessible every Wednesday (excluding holidays) from 10.10 to 11.30 without reservation. A referral from the general practitioner bearing the words “urgent visit for suspected colorectal cancer” with U or B priority or with a recent positive report for fecal occult blood testing is sufficient.
During the specialist visit, the need for further diagnostic investigations is assessed (colonoscopy, CT, any other tests) and, if necessary, the patient is directed to surgical treatment performed with a minimally invasive technique, within the international protocol ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery), in agreement with the National Health Service. Any additional investigations are booked directly by the specialist and are disbursed in a short time via SSN.
Source: Vanity Fair
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