Prevention of colorectal cancer
Section: TEACHING TO LEARN
How to quote
Ramíerez Sánchez A. Prevención del cáncer colorrectal. Educare21 2011; 76. [En línea] [fecha de acceso: 1 de mayo de 2011]. URL disponible en: http://www.educare21.net
Authors
Alberto Ramírez Sánchez
Position
Enfermero del Hospital Carlos Haya de Málaga.
Abstract
Objective: the aim of this paper is, first, to review the literature on colorectal cancer, with special emphasis on its prevention and screening and secondly, to propose possible solutions to increase the effectiveness of these early detection programs, increasing the participation of the target population, for which nurses have an important role in increasing the awareness about the importance of having of screening tests done.
Material and methods: a literature review conducted during the month of May 2010. The key words used in the search were "colon cancer" and "colorectal cancer." The following databases and health portals were consulted: PubMed, Take care, Scielo, GuíaSalud, Finisterre and Google Scholar.
Results: colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in developed countries. In Spain it is the second leading cause of death due to cancer both in men and women and about 25,000 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year.
It is a disease which, by their biological characteristics and socio-economic impact perfectly fulfills the conditions to be subject to screening.
The screening is expected to offer to all individuals without risk factors, from 50 years of age, but the participation obtained in the pilot programs developed in Spain is lower than desirable, information to the public on the importance of this health problem and the possibilities of prevention and early diagnosis are key to improving the effectiveness of these actions.
Conclusion: this is a type of cancer where the prevention, both primary -promoting the acquisition of healthy habits and lifestyles- and secondary prevention strategies, such as the implementation of early detection practices and colorectal cancer screening programs play an important role. The nurse may have a key role in rising awareness of the target population about screening programs and increasing their participation.
Material and methods: a literature review conducted during the month of May 2010. The key words used in the search were "colon cancer" and "colorectal cancer." The following databases and health portals were consulted: PubMed, Take care, Scielo, GuíaSalud, Finisterre and Google Scholar.
Results: colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in developed countries. In Spain it is the second leading cause of death due to cancer both in men and women and about 25,000 cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year.
It is a disease which, by their biological characteristics and socio-economic impact perfectly fulfills the conditions to be subject to screening.
The screening is expected to offer to all individuals without risk factors, from 50 years of age, but the participation obtained in the pilot programs developed in Spain is lower than desirable, information to the public on the importance of this health problem and the possibilities of prevention and early diagnosis are key to improving the effectiveness of these actions.
Conclusion: this is a type of cancer where the prevention, both primary -promoting the acquisition of healthy habits and lifestyles- and secondary prevention strategies, such as the implementation of early detection practices and colorectal cancer screening programs play an important role. The nurse may have a key role in rising awareness of the target population about screening programs and increasing their participation.
Keywords:
colon cancer; colorectal cancer; preventionscreening programs
Versión en Español
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