Bowel cancer, like that of Preta Gil, is one of the most common among Brazilians

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Singer Preta Gil was diagnosed this week with bowel cancer, one of the tumors with the highest incidence rate among Brazilians, according to Inca (National Cancer Institute). According to the most recent estimate by the institute, there will be 45,630 new cases of bowel cancer in Brazil from 2023 to 2025.

Inca includes bowel cancer in the category of colorectal tumors. The rate for this type of tumor is high all over the world, not just in Brazil. Among Brazilian men, only prostate cancer will have a higher prevalence in the next three years. In women, colorectal cancers are also in second place in prevalence in the country, second only to breast cancer.

The current projection is more worrisome than those of the past. In the institute’s previous estimates, colorectal cancer did not rank second for both men and women. The reasons for the change, however, are not yet well defined, says Alexandre Palladino, head of clinical oncology at Inca.

Another change observed in recent years regarding this type of cancer is the increase in cases among young Brazilians. Colorectal tumors are usually diagnosed in older people, and for this reason it is recommended to have screening tests from the age of 45.

But the increase in diagnoses among younger people has worried specialists, not least because it is still an open question. “We don’t have an explanation for this,” says Palladino.

In the case of Preta Gil, the cancer is an adenocarcinoma, a type of tumor that can appear in other regions of the body, explains Rachel Riechelmann, head of clinical oncology at the ACCamargo Cancer Center. Even though it can be observed in other parts of the human body, it is adenocarcinoma that causes the greatest number of bowel cancers.

The reasons for the appearance of cancer in this region of the body are several — hereditary issues, for example. “The risk increases when there is a first-degree relative with bowel cancer”, says Riechelmann.

Advanced age is also a risk factor for the disease. In addition, it is important to pay attention to food: the richer the diet is in fats, ultra-processed foods and red meat, the greater the chance of the tumor appearing. On the other hand, a fiber-rich diet is a preventive factor, as is regular physical activity.

The ideal is also to be aware of some symptoms that may be associated with cancer. Blood in the stool and pain with bowel movements are examples of symptoms that usually appear when the tumor is closer to the rectum. Meanwhile, more nonspecific signs, such as abdominal pain and weakness, typically appear when the cancer is farther from the rectum.

Palladino agrees that it’s necessary to watch for these signs, but says it’s important to remain calm. “One must not despair […] because there are other causes [para esses sintomas]”, he said. According to him, the best thing is to look for a doctor for an evaluation and, from there, verify the need for exams.

Chief among these tests is colonoscopy, a type of endoscopy that evaluates the entire large intestine. If a tumor is suspected, a biopsy should be performed for an accurate diagnosis.

Early diagnosis is important because it increases the chances of cure through surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, when the disease is detected early, even benign cells can be identified and soon removed, before evolving into a malignant tumor.

On the other hand, if the cancer has already spread to other organs, chemotherapy is needed.

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