What are the risk factors for the intestine cancer?
Age above 50 makes any person more likely to develop this kind of cancer. Some factors that increase this risk are personal or family history of: · benign polyps, intestine cancer, ulcerative retocolites, Crohn’s disease, breast, ovary and cervix cancer. Healthy food and lifestyle can contribute a lot to prevention.

What is screening?
It is a series of procedures to identify polyps or cancer at early stages in individuals without symptoms.

What are the main available tests?
The most important test for the early detection of the intestine cancer, specially the rectum, is the proctologic exam. This exam consists of rectal touch and rectal sigmoidoscopy carried out in the intestine lower part. When properly performed, these tumors are largely identified. The proctologic exam must be followed by the colonoscopic exam (colonoscopy) for individuals at risk or for those with symptoms of intestine discomfort.

What is colonoscopy?
It is an exam carried out inside the entire intestine, providing a direct view of the inside of the rectum and the entire colon. During colonoscopy it is possible to collect material for biopsy or remove polyps. It is an exam that requires light sedation and appropriate cleaning of the intestine .

What are the intestine cancer symptoms?
The intestine tumors usually develop silently. Symptoms are felt when they grow larger. See a doctor whenever you have the following symptoms: · Anal bleeding · Blood in the feces · Changes in the intestine habits, that is, diarrhea or constipation alternately · Frequent need to use the toilet, with sensation of incomplete evacuation · Anal or abdominal pain or discomfort · Weakness · Anemia · Sensation of flatulence or distention · Weight loss with no cause

If you have one of the symptoms above, see a doctor immediately. However:
Not all anal bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids do not cause cancer, but can confuse the diagnosis. Not all anus bleeding is related to hemorrhoids.

How and when to be tested?
If you belong to the normal risk group – that is, if you do not have the history mentioned above – you should start a screening process at the age of 50 with the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) to be repeated yearly. If positive, see a specialist. Above the age of 60 , start Colonoscopy (preferably) or Double-Contrast Barium Enema to be repeated every 10 years. If you belong to the high-risk group – that is, with a personal or family history of intestine cancer – screening, including colonoscopy, should start at the age of 40 or earlier. The risk for intestine cancer is higher for people who have a history of this cancer in the family.

What can be done to prevent the intestine cancer?
In addition to the screening tests at the appropriate ages, healthy eating habits and lifestyle are very important. Some tips: eat a rich amount of fibers and reduce fat, especially from animals; fresh fruit and vegetables are very important to prevent the intestine cancer; you should eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fibers – about 2 ½ cups of fruit/vegetable – daily; food supplements with fibers can help you reach this target; reduce fat and alcohol intake and don’t smoke.