Chances are growing more probable
In Germany, colorectal cancer is the second most common form of cancer, with approximately 73,000 people diagnosed each year. This includes around 33,620 women and 39,410 men [1].
Early detection is crucial in the fight against colorectal cancer, and a colonoscopy is the most suitable method for early detection of colon cancer. Performed by a specialist under anesthesia, this painless procedure allows for the examination of the entire colon and the removal of any precursors of colon cancer, known as adenomas [2].
Regular screening could prevent 75 to 90 percent of all cases of colorectal cancer, according to experts [3]. This is because early detection enables less invasive treatment options and improves quality of life by avoiding the complications associated with advanced disease and its treatment [4].
Organized screening programs have been shown to halve deaths and reduce racial disparities in outcomes [5]. Studies show that people who undergo at least one fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening within five years have about a one-third lower risk of dying from colorectal cancer [2][5].
Several nationwide appeals are taking place during "Colon Cancer Month March" to raise awareness and promote screening for colon cancer. These events will feature specialists, such as Dr. med. Andrea Birkhahn, a specialist in internal medicine in Friedrichstadt, and Dr. med. Ursula Blobel, an expert in hygiene safety during the COVID-19 pandemic [6]. These doctors will answer readers' questions about prevention, diagnostics, and therapy for colon cancer.
Dr. med. Victoria Fernandez-Jesberg, the coordinator of the colon cancer center at VKKD, and Dr. med. Konstantinos Zarras, the director of the colon cancer center at VKKD, will also be participating in these events [7]. They will discuss each colon cancer case during regular interdisciplinary case discussions (tumor board) and highlight the benefits of robot-assisted surgeries in colon cancer treatment.
Robot-assisted surgeries, such as robot-assisted colorectal surgeries, offer minimally invasive procedures that work gently on tissue with tiny instruments. This approach allows for enhanced dexterity and visualization, resulting in more precise tumor removal with less blood loss and quicker post-operative recovery [8]. Thus, the combination of regular screening to catch cancer early and advanced surgical techniques like robot-assisted procedures has contributed to better survival outcomes and reduced treatment morbidity.
References: [1] German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe). (2021). Colorectal cancer statistics. Retrieved from https://www.krebshilfe.de/de/krankheiten/kolorektales-karzinom/statistiken/ [2] American Cancer Society. (2021). Colorectal cancer screening. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening.html [3] National Cancer Institute. (2021). What You Need To Know About Colorectal Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/what-you-need-to-know-about-colorectal-cancer [4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Colon cancer treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370717 [5] American Cancer Society. (2021). Colorectal cancer screening. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/screening.html [6] German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe). (2021). Colon Cancer Month March. Retrieved from https://www.krebshilfe.de/de/aktion/kolorektales-karzinom-monat-marsch/ [7] VKKD. (2021). Colon cancer center. Retrieved from https://www.vkkd.de/kliniken/klinik-fuer-tumortherapie/zentrum-fuer-kolorektales-karzinom/ [8] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Robot-assisted surgery. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/robot-assisted-surgery/about/pac-20394841
In the fight against colorectal cancer, science and medical advancements play significant roles. For instance, regular screening, which could prevent up to 90% of cases, is crucial for early detection [3]. This early detection, facilitated by methods like the colonoscopy, allows for less invasive treatment options and improved health-and-wellness outcomes [4]. Additionally, medical technology, such as robot-assisted surgeries, offers minimally invasive procedures that result in reduced treatment morbidity and quicker recovery [8].
