Open AccessThe role of the family doctor in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Author(s) -
Mihaela Adela Iancu,
Gabriela Ganea,
Ramona Dorotea CĂLIN,
Irina Anca Eremia,
Adriana Ticărău,
Camelia Cristina Diaconu,
Dumitru Matei
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
romanian journal of medical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2069-6108
pISSN - 1842-8258
DOI - 10.37897/rjmp.2021.3.2
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , family history , cancer , breast cancer , incidence (geometry) , obesity , oncology , disease , physics , optics
The incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing. It is currently the third most common cancer, after lung and breast cancer. Despite the increased incidence, recent advances in early detection, performing the screening according to the recommendations and treatment options have reduced colorectal cancer mortality. The role of the family doctor is to advise and to identify non-modifiable risk factors (age, male sex, race, family history, inflammatory bowel disease) as well as modifiable ones (tobacco consumption, low-fiber, high-fat and high carbohydrate diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity), in order to avoid these risk factors by developing a personalized plan for the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer depending on the individual risk. Genetic testing and a more comprehensive family history documentation by the family doctor can enable those with a hereditary predisposition for the colorectal cancer to take preventive measures. Applying evidence-based prevention strategies reduces the prognosis of colorectal cancer and reduces mortality. Colorectal cancer has an increased survival rate if diagnosed early and treated properly.