Most Brazilians Unaware of Key Colon Cancer Screening Test, Survey Finds

A recent survey conducted by São Paulo's A.C.Camargo Hospital in collaboration with Nexus reveals that a significant majority of Brazilians, precisely 67%, are unaware of the FIT (fecal immunochemical test), a crucial examination for early detection of colon cancer. This test identifies hidden blood in stool, an early indicator of the disease. Despite recognizing some symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as blood in the stool, many Brazilians do not seek medical attention. The research found that while 67% of respondents know blood in stool can be a symptom and 80% consider it serious, nearly half of the 9% who reported experiencing it did not consult a doctor. The case of singer Preta Gil, who publicly shared her delayed diagnosis due to not initially connecting symptoms like constipation and altered bowel movements to colon cancer, has brought attention to the issue. Medical professionals emphasize that any intestinal bleeding warrants investigation, as not all such instances are benign hemorrhoids. The FIT test, which detects microscopic blood, is simple and requires a stool sample. A positive result typically leads to a colonoscopy for confirmation and potential polyp removal. Early detection before symptom onset can significantly increase cure rates, exceeding 90%. There are plans to expand the availability of the FIT test through Brazil's public health system (SUS), with the National Cancer Institute (Inca) expected to introduce a new national screening protocol for individuals aged 50 to 75. Additionally, experts are concerned about the rising incidence of colon cancer among younger populations, with data from A.C.Camargo Hospital showing a nearly 3% annual increase in cases among those under 50 in São Paulo state between 2000 and 2023.