CÂNCER COLORRETAL E O AUMENTO DA INCIDÊNCIA EM PACIENTES JOVENS

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common neoplasms and represents an important cause of death worldwide, affecting men and women equally. In Brazil, the incidence is higher in the south and southeast regions. CRC affects the colon and rectum, and can be sporadic or familial. Risk factors include advanced age, family history, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. The disease often presents silent symptoms, leading to a late diagnosis. Early detection methods include fecal occult blood tests, colonoscopy, and computed tomography. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy, depending on the stage of the disease. Objective: To understand aspects related to the causes, symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, screening and treatment of colorectal cancer and its increase in young patients. Methodology: The present study is a bibliographic review article related to colorectal cancer, carried out in June and July 2024, 10 articles were selected, in which the review of articles was carried out in the electronic library database Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Brazilian Journal of Coloproctology, Journal of the Brazilian College of Surgeons and Brazilian Journal of Health Review. The following selection criteria were defined: full texts, articles, analysis and systematic reviews, between 2006 and 2021, in Portuguese and English. Results: The analysis of colorectal cancer shows that this type of cancer is the fourth cause of death in Brazil, which highlights the importance of its prevention and early diagnosis. The main signs and symptoms are hematochezia, melena, abdominal pain, anemia of unknown cause and changes in bowel habits. Furthermore, it was observed that there was a significant increase in colorectal cancer in young patients, under 40 and 50 years old, which reveals the need for changes in lifestyle habits, such as healthy eating and physical activity. Conclusion: It is concluded that the cause of colorectal cancer is multifactorial and has several impacts on the quality of life of those who have the disease and, for this reason, prevention, early diagnosis, screening and efficient treatments, as well as identification of cancer in young patients, taking into account current lifestyle models.