The Benefits of Colorectal Cancer Screening - Early Treatment with Effective Results
In recent years, we've often seen news about celebrities, both domestic and international, passing away from colorectal cancer, highlighting the increasing threat it poses. According to the National Health Agency's cancer registry report, colorectal cancer has topped the list of the ten most common cancers for 15 years, making it the most common cancer in the country, with the third-highest mortality rate among all cancers. Although most colorectal cancer patients are over 50, the age of onset has been gradually decreasing, with individuals in their 40s and even 30s facing threats from colorectal cancer. This trend is closely related to modern lifestyles and dietary habits.
KFSYSCC's Colorectal Cancer Medical Team has been established for over 30 years, boasting rich diagnostic and treatment experience. The team, consisting of doctors from various specialties, nurses, and nutritionists, has been dedicated to improving the quality of colorectal cancer medical care and pursuing comprehensive care for patients. To enhance public awareness of colorectal cancer and help younger generations understand cancer prevention concepts early, team members have pooled their expertise to produce the KFSYSCC Colorectal Cancer Edition, sharing the most comprehensive and practical medical knowledge on prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care of colorectal cancer through videos and articles. Whether you are a member of the general public, a patient, or a family member caring for a patient, you can find the answers you seek in this series. Knowledge is power, and KFSYSCChopes to help you better understand the disease, reducing fear and boosting confidence in treatment.
The Benefits of Screening - Early Treatment and Effective Results
In 2008, health authorities identified colorectal cancer as the most common cancer in the country, prompting the government to subsidize biennial fecal occult blood screening for individuals aged 50 to 74, as the risk of developing colorectal cancer significantly increases after 50.
Among the 15,000 to 17,000 new colorectal cancer patients each year, about 2,000 to 3,000 are detected through cancer screening, allowing for early diagnosis and effective treatment. The five-year survival rate or the chance of complete cure for asymptomatic patients is higher than that for patients who have already shown symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that people regularly undergo colorectal cancer screening.
Positive Screening Results Do Not Equate to Colorectal Cancer
If your fecal occult blood screening result is positive, does it mean you have colorectal cancer? Not necessarily. Among every 1,000 tested, about 60 might test positive, but only about 2 will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer after undergoing a colonoscopy, which is less than a 5% chance. So, there's no need for undue worry.
Screening for Asymptomatic Individuals, Colonoscopy for Those with Symptoms
Given the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger individuals, regular colorectal cancer screening is also recommended for those under 50 who meet certain criteria, such as having a family history of the disease or an unhealthy lifestyle. It's important to note that fecal occult blood tests are aimed at asymptomatic individuals. If symptoms are present, regardless of age or family history, undergoing a colonoscopy is the safest option.
Lastly, the public is encouraged to undergo screening upon receiving a check-up invitation. Facing a positive result bravely is important, as there's a 95% chance of being fine after a colonoscopy, and the benefits of early treatment are significantly better.