Saving Lives with Screening: Understanding the Detection and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer in Vietnam

Cancer of the colon and rectum, commonly known as colorectal cancer, is a growing health concern in Vietnam. The prevalence of this form of cancer has been steadily increasing over the years. However, there are various screening methods available to detect colorectal cancer early on, which can greatly improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients.

One such method is stool testing. Stool tests are non-invasive ways to detect the presence of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps in stool samples. There are three types of stool tests: fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and fecal DNA test.

The FOBT looks for hidden blood in a patient’s stool sample, which may be a symptom of colorectal cancer. The FIT uses antibodies to detect blood in a small stool sample collected at home. Stool DNA testing, on the other hand, looks for abnormal DNA fragments released from cancer cells or polyps in the stool sample.

While these tests can help determine if a patient has colorectal cancer or is at risk of developing it, colonoscopy is still considered the “gold standard” for screening and diagnosing this type of cancer. This procedure allows doctors to examine the entire colon and rectum for early signs of cancer or precancerous lesions.

Advanced endoscopic methods like submucosal dissection (ESD) and submucosal resection (EMR) can effectively treat early-stage colorectal cancer without additional support.

Early detection, appropriate treatment, and regular follow-up care are crucial for improving the prognosis and quality of life for colorectal cancer patients. Risk factors for this disease include obesity, red meat consumption, smoking, alcohol abuse, and lack of physical activity.

Endoscopy can help detect and remove polyps that may lead to colorectal cancer. If you suspect that you may have this type of cancer or want to take preventative measures, it’s important to consult with a doctor to determine the most appropriate screening method and develop an early treatment plan.

Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving survival rates and maintaining a good quality of life for those affected by colorectal cancer.