International Colon Cancer Awareness Day
March 31 - 31
Cancer is currently one of the leading causes of death in Latin America. In 2020, according to WHO, cancer caused 1.4 million deaths, 47% of them in people 69 years of age or younger.
Very alarming figures, when we are talking about the fact that at least 40% of diagnosed cancers can be prevented by reducing risk factors and performing the recommended preventive examinations.
This is the case of colon cancer. A cancer that ranks third among the most diagnosed cancers in Latin America (10.2%) in men and women, and fourth worldwide. Despite the existence of population-based screening programs that allow the detection of non-malignant precursor lesions, we maintain these high figures in the region and the world.
In order to give visibility to this disease and raise awareness of its prevention, World Colon Cancer Awareness Day is commemorated every March 31. This type of cancer is one of the most frequent worldwide, occupying the fourth position of the most frequent cancers. In Panama the reality is no different. This type of cancer occupies between the third and fourth position among the most frequent cancers.
Today, our Gastroenterologist, Dr. Joel Bernal, shares very valuable information for the population about this type of cancer. Its risk factors, symptoms, detection and treatment, but, most importantly, how we can prevent it and/or detect it in very early stages.
Very alarming figures, when we are talking about the fact that at least 40% of diagnosed cancers can be prevented by reducing risk factors and performing the recommended preventive examinations.
This is the case of colon cancer. A cancer that ranks third among the most diagnosed cancers in Latin America (10.2%) in men and women, and fourth worldwide. Despite the existence of population-based screening programs that allow the detection of non-malignant precursor lesions, we maintain these high figures in the region and the world.
In order to give visibility to this disease and raise awareness of its prevention, World Colon Cancer Awareness Day is commemorated every March 31. This type of cancer is one of the most frequent worldwide, occupying the fourth position of the most frequent cancers. In Panama the reality is no different. This type of cancer occupies between the third and fourth position among the most frequent cancers.
Today, our Gastroenterologist, Dr. Joel Bernal, shares very valuable information for the population about this type of cancer. Its risk factors, symptoms, detection and treatment, but, most importantly, how we can prevent it and/or detect it in very early stages.