Colorectal cancer the 3rd most common in men and women in Cyprus

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in men and women in Cyprus, according to data made available by PASYKAF, the Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends.

?n a press release PASYKAF says that 90-95% of all cancer cases can be attributed to the environment and lifestyle. It says that data from the Cyprus Cancer Archive, show that in 2020 there were 233 new cases in men and 143 in women. Colon cancer, the press release says, is diagnosed with the same frequency in both men and women, and 90% of cases is curable when detected early and treated correctly.

Symptoms and risk factors according to PASYKAF include changes in bowel habits such as bowel frequency or stool consistency, persistent abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, unexplained fatigue or weakness and unexplained weight loss, nausea or frequent vomiting.

PASYKAF notes that if people belong to high-risk groups, ie they are over 45 years old, suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, have a family history of colon cancer or the
presence of polyps, Type 2 diabetes or elevated insulin levels, it is recommended that they discuss the best way to get proper diagnosis with their doctor.

Other risk factors that contribute to the development of colon cancer include smoking, alcohol, a diet high in fat and low in fiber, and lack of exercise.

The usual age of onset of colon cancer is after the age of 50 and for this reason it is recommended that the first colonoscopy be done at this age and repeated every 5 years.

PASYKAF emphasizes the importance of the implementation of the population screening program by the Ministry of Health for the detection of colon cancer in people over 50.

The Ministry has already said that citizens who belong to the age group of 50-74 years will receive a call to participate in the program.

Source: Cyprus News Agency