Filenews 22 March 2024
Althea PASYKAF, as a member of the European organization Digestive Cancers Europe, participates every March, along with 27 member countries, in the pan-European campaign for colorectal cancer, which is the 3rd most common cancer in men and women in Cyprus. A proud supporter of PASYKAF's campaign is OPAP Cyprus.
As part of its actions for the early detection of colorectal cancer, PASYKAF through Althea, (PASYKAF gastrointestinal cancer treatment team) in collaboration with the Board of Directors of the Association of Directors of Clinical Laboratories, Biomedical and Clinical Laboratory Scientists, offers free of charge the test for blood detection in faeces (FOBt) for the whole month of March until April 18, in persons over 45 years of age.
FOBt is a non-invasive test that can be performed from the comfort of your home. The public can receive the container for examination from the Clinical Laboratories participating in the campaign and follow the instructions for use included in the package. The test for blood detection in the stool is suitable for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, is addressed to men and women and can be repeated every year if the result is negative. If the result is positive then the person should inform his personal doctor for further investigation. This test does not replace colonoscopy, which is considered the main method of early detection.
According to the Cyprus Cancer Archive, colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in men and women in Cyprus. In 2020, there were 233 new cases in men and 143 in women. It is diagnosed with the same frequency in both men and women, however 90% of cases are cured when detected early.
Colorectal cancer has a good prognosis if treated promptly and correctly, so it is important that the public is aware of symptoms and risk factors, which include changes in bowel movements such as bowel movements or stool composition, persistent abdominal discomfort, blood in the stool, unexplained fatigue or weakness, and unexplained weight loss. nausea or frequent vomiting;
Contact with the doctor should be done immediately to determine the cause of symptoms. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may be related to other health problems. However, only the doctor can determine their true cause.
Risk factors for developing colorectal cancer are smoking, alcohol, a diet high in fat and low in fiber, and lack of exercise. In addition, if you belong to high-risk groups, that is, you are over 45 years old, suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, have a family history of colon cancer or presence of polyps, Type 2 diabetes or elevated insulin levels, it is recommended that you discuss the best way to investigate with your doctor.
The usual age of onset is after 50 years and therefore it is suggested that the first colonoscopy be done at this age and if it is normal to repeat it every 5 years.
An exception to the above rule are hereditary forms that appear at younger ages, in this case colonoscopy is recommended to immediate relatives at least 10 years earlier. If, for example, a parent develops bowel cancer at the age of 40, his children should be screened with a colonoscopy before the age of 30.
Choosing a healthier lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing cancer by 40%. Avoid foods rich in calories, sugary drinks, processed or red meat, incorporate physical activity into your daily life, try to maintain the right body weight, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
For information regarding the FOBt test, the public can contact PASYKAF, tel. 77771986 Monday – Thursday 8.30 – 15.30 and Friday 8.30 – 12.30.
PASYKAF remains at the disposal of the public to hold lectures on the relevant topic and provide information material.
