In our country, colon cancer is the second most common cancer. In 90% of cases, this type of cancer is preceded by a precursor lesion that can take up to 10 years to grow. Fortunately, it is a highly preventable disease, and if a polyp is detected and removed early, the chances of it turning into cancer are very low.
Despite this, Colon cancer early detection rate remains worryingly low in Argentina, where only one in three adults over the age of 50 undergoes the necessary studies. That is why the GEDYT Foundation established as an objective within its program to contribute to the increase in early detection and prevention of this type of cancer.
Within this framework, the scientific symposium carried out at the end of March by the GEDYT Foundation, which was attended by more than 500 people both live and by streaming, focused on the aspects or technologies that can facilitate tasks What professionals need to do actively direct, track and monitor your patients in pursuit of preventing and early detection of colon cancer.
Among these tools, the fit technology (fecal immunological test). The Dra. Julia Ismael explains that it is an internationally validated and recommended method for early detection of colon cancer, reducing costs for the health system and prioritizing patients with occult blood (that is, it cannot be seen with the naked eye). to perform colonoscopies without saturating the endoscopic park of our health system.
The app CaptyVa, on the other hand, makes it possible to segment patients according to an algorithm and recommend which study is indicated/recommended for each of them. The objective, according to Drs. Leandro Steinberg and Lisandro Pereyrais to use technology to help doctors correct in the indication of prevention and early detection studies according to the particular needs of each patient.
Another aspect to consider, said Gabriel Winderolais related to the influence of the microbiota on gut healtha disruptive issue that refers to the possibility that a certain bacterial species (fusobacterium nucleatum) may have some influence on the development of colon cancer.
“The information will run some veils, what you don’t know scares you, it worries youthen having the channel and the right actors defined to bring the information closer is very important,” added the Lic. Maria Emilia Caro.
Finally, the Dr. Asadur Tchekmedyian proposed a reflective approach to the advent of artificial intelligence in our lives and healthand challenges we have ahead of us to feed on its utilities without feeling overwhelmed.
In conclusion, the use of technology in colon cancer detection has the potential to transform the way it is diagnosed and treated this sickness; while continuing to provide new opportunities for detect it in its early stages and improve the lives of patients who suffer from it.
