Colon Cancer It is a common, malignant, and fatal disease, making it a topic of growing concern worldwide. In 2022, Guatemala reported 894 cases and 544 deaths.

An important, and alarming, fact that must be highlighted is the remarkable increase that has been documented in the incidence rate in men and women in the under 50 age group, at a rate of 2.1% per year from 1992 to 2013, especially in left-sided cancers.

Current literature suggests that over 86% of patients diagnosed before the age of 50 are asymptomatic. This association has been observed at a more advanced stage and, therefore, with poor survival rates. Given that this segment of the population is economically active, preventive measures warrant special attention, as early detection is limited and symptoms can go unnoticed. Early diagnosis of cancer increases the probability of survival.

The high incidence of colon cancer in Western countries is partly attributed to dietary habits, the inflammatory response, DNA alterations, gene-environment interactions, and changes in microbiota composition.

Early detection of colon cancer can provide a 5-year survival rate of 90% compared to 12% in the scenario of metastatic disease.

 Colon cancer is preventable, treatable, and curable!

Dr. Giovana Bendfeldt Avila

Oncologist