·       Blood in stool, changes in the frequency of bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and pain in the abdomen or pelvis are all warning signs ^. ¹

·       Advances in early detection and treatment have improved survival outcomes and quality of life for patients ^{2 and 3.}

Guatemala, March 25, 2025 – Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with approximately 1.9 million cases detected annually.^⁴ Many patients do not experience symptoms initially, only when the cancer is more advanced; therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if a person experiences blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits (stool consistency, constipation, or diarrhea), unexplained weight loss, or abdominal or pelvic pain (gas or cramps). ^{^1,5}

 

While the risk of developing this type of cancer increases with age (over 50), its incidence in young adults has been rising, for reasons that are not yet known. It is also a tumor that can affect smokers, people of darker complexions, those with a personal or family history of polyps or previous colorectal cancer, those with inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease), diabetes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet high in fat, red or processed meats, and low in fiber.^{^1,5}

 

When detected in its early stages, colorectal cancer has a cure rate of around 90%. ^⁶ If diagnosed at an advanced stage, and depending on the case, this probability can be as low as 60%.^⁶ It is worth noting that 20% of people diagnosed with this cancer often have metastases.^{^7,8}

 

" Colorectal cancer is the only cancer that occurs almost equally in men and women. ⁶ For this reason, and given the increased incidence in people under 50, ^{1,5 and 8} regular preventive examinations ^{5 and 8} and early diagnosis are key to receiving the most appropriate treatment ¹ ," said Dr. Rafael González , Medical Leader of Oncology at Pfizer Central America and the Caribbean (CAC) ^. Cancer. Thirty years ago, the idea of ​​a world without this disease was a dream; today, significant advances in science and technology are converging to bring us even closer to innovative therapies for certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer .”

 

The value of early detection

 

Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as a polyp, which is an abnormal growth in the lining of the colon or rectum. ^{^1,5} A person can have polyps and not know it, ^⁶ which is why doctors recommend that those at certain risk for this type of cancer begin regular screening tests around age 45. ^{^1,5} If the risk is higher, the treating physician will advise the patient on how early and how often they need to be tested.^{^1,6}

 

The fecal occult blood test is one of the tests that may lead to a referral to a specialist. Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are also important; the latter allows visualization of the inside of the colon and rectum to determine if there are polyps, abnormal areas, or cancer.^⁹ Furthermore, this procedure allows for obtaining tissue samples and removing polyps . ^{^1,9} which can help prevent colorectal cancer. ^{5 and 6}

 

 

If the patient is diagnosed with this type of cancer, it is recommended that the tissue sample be tested for biomarkers. These are genes, proteins, or other substances that can provide specific details about the cancer the person has. ¹⁰

 

“ Thanks to scientific innovation, biomarker tests show doctors how cancer will progress over time and what the most appropriate treatment options are. ¹⁰ For example, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, it is now essential to understand their molecular profile to know if they have any mutations, such as BRAF or KRAS, ² and if there is a therapy available for that specific ^marker ,” commented Dr. González.

 

Advances in the treatment of the disease

 

In recent years, the management of colorectal cancer in general has undergone a major transformation, encompassing not only innovations in early detection but also treatment modalities, which go hand in hand with precision or personalized medicine and progressive advances in targeted therapies; the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques and the definition of molecular profiles, all in pursuit of a more comprehensive approach to the disease. ^{2 and 3}

 

In metastatic colorectal cancer, these advances have facilitated the ability to target specific treatments to subgroups of patients—with somewhat more promising benefits— ⁷ such as those with the BRAF V600E mutation ⁽ between 8% and 12% of those diagnosed with this type of tumor), whose response to standard therapy is often not optimal, even in terms of survival. ¹¹

 

Thanks to this innovation in colorectal cancer, not only have survival rates improved, but there has also been a positive impact on the quality of life of patients and their families. ^{2,3 and7 “} At Pfizer, we want this to continue, and that is why we continue working with a focus on developing first- or best-in-class cancer medicines that can quickly reach those who need them most ,” concluded Dr. González.

 

 

Pfizer Inc.: Innovations that change patients' lives

 

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that significantly extend and improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacturing of healthcare products. Our global portfolio includes some of the world's best-known medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical and innovative companies, we collaborate with healthcare professionals, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to trusted and affordable healthcare around the world. For more than 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all those who rely on us. For more information, please visit us at www.pfizercac.com and follow us on social media through our Facebook page: Pfizer Central America and Caribbean, and Pfizer Health Connection on Instagram.

 

Sources:

1.      Houston Methodist's leading medical resource. 4 colon cancer symptoms you should never ignore. Available at https://www.houstonmethodist.org/es/why-choose-houston-methodist/blog/2024/march/4-colon-cancer-symptoms/ Last accessed February 2025.

2.      Priyadarshini, SP et al. (2024). Cutting-edge treatment of colorectal cancer: advances and innovation in treatment. Ascó Publications.44 (3). Available at https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/EDBK_438466 Last accessed February 2025.

3.      Spanish Society of Medical Oncology. Advances in Colorectal Cancer. Available at https://seom.org/los-avances-en-cancer-de-colorrectal . Last accessed February 2025.

4.      International Agency for Research on Cancer. Colorectal cancer. Available at https://www.iarc.who.int/cancer-type/colorectal-cancer/ Last accessed February 2025.

5.      Mayo Clinic. Colon Cancer. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669 Last accessed February 2025.

6.      University Hospital of Argentina. Early detection of colon cancer generates a 90% chance of being cured. Available at https://hospital.uncuyo.edu.ar/detectar-temprano-el-cancer-de-colon-genera-un-90-de-posibilidades-de-ser-curado Last accessed February 2025.

7.      Biller and Schrag (2021). Diagnosis and treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: a review. Published. 325(7):669-685. Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33591350/ Last accessed February 2025.

8.      Pfizer.com. Colorectal cancer is changing the story. Available at https://cancer.pfizer.com/colorectal-cancer/ Last accessed February 2025.

9.      National Cancer Institute. Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests – Patient Version. Available at https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/tipos/colorrectal/paciente/deteccion-colorrectal-pdq . Last accessed February 2025.

10.    Pfizer.com. Every person's colorectal cancer is unique. Available at https://cancer.pfizer.com/colorectal-cancer/biomarkers . Last accessed February 2025.

11.    Tabernero, J. et al (2022). The evolution of the treatment landscape in BRAF-V600E: mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. 42:1-10. Available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35503983/ Last accessed February 2025.