Singer Simony, 46, was diagnosed with colon cancer after undergoing a colonoscopy. The examination was motivated by having detected a tongue. In a video posted on her social networks, the artist reinforced the importance of carrying out screening tests from the age of 45.
Did you know that there is a difference between tumors located in the rectum and anus? These differences are essential both in the prevention of diseases in this region of the body and in the treatment. According to Dr. Rachel Riechelmann, Head of Clinical Oncology at A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, rectal tumors are a continuation of colon tumors. “That’s why they’re called colorectal cancer. They are located at the end of the large intestine. After this region, we have the anal canal, where the stool exit hole is,” she explains.
The expert points out that the two types of tumors are biologically distinct, so they also have different risk factors and treatments. “In most cases, rectal tumors are treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by surgery. On the other hand, anal canal tumors are treated with definitive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, that is, there is no operation”.
While the risk factors for rectal cancer are related to heredity, age (the older the patient, the greater the chance), in addition to eating habits (food rich in meat and fat and low in fruits and vegetables), tumors of the anal region are related to HPV contamination.
Data on HPV-related cancers reaffirm the need for population awareness about vaccination. The Ministry of Health, through the SUS, has applied, since 2014, the tetravalent HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 13 years. Starting in 2017, the Ministry extended the vaccine to girls aged 9 to 14 and boys aged 11 to 14. This vaccine protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. For women with immunosuppression (decreased immune response), living with HIV/AIDS, transplanted and cancer carriers, the vaccine is indicated up to 45 years of age.