In this conversation we had with Dr. Max Peña we break down why cancer prevention and early detection are more vital than ever.
The Cancer Taboo: Overcoming Fear to Save Lives
It is a reality: many Panamanians, either due to ignorance or a deep fear of the word “cancer”, postpone medical check-ups. The idea of “living life my way” without facing the possibility of a diagnosis is dangerous. But the truth is that proactivity can completely change the course of the disease.
When should we start worrying about colon cancer? New Ages of Screening!
Dr. Max Peña gave us some important news: the age of initiation for colon cancer prevention in the average-risk population (with no family history of colon cancer or polyps) has decreased. Now it’s from 45 years of age ! This is due to the increase in cases in younger people.
If you have a family history (parents, siblings, uncles with colon cancer or polyps), your case is at increased risk . You should start screening at least 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed, or at least at age 35 . The first colonoscopy in these cases is crucial, as it will mark the pause for future surveillance.
Colonoscopy: The ‘Gold Standard’ of Early Detection
: Colonoscopy is the best test to prevent colon cancer . It is a safe procedure, performed under deep sedation, with minimal risks. Preparation can be challenging, but the benefit is immense. If your colon is clean, you can wait up to 10 years for the next one.
Why is it so powerful? Because colon cancer is very slow-growing. An injury that was detected today, did not appear yesterday. If a polyp (a “little wart” in the colon) is found that could become cancerous, it is removed in the same procedure. This is healing before the cancer develops!
Other Screening Tools (and Why Colonoscopy is Key)
There are other less invasive and more accessible tests, such as Fecal Occult Blood (especially the FIT test), rectosigmoidoscopy, virtual colonography or capsule endoscopy. However, Dr. Peña clarifies a vital point: if any of these tests yield a positive or suspicious result, colonoscopy is mandatory to confirm and, if possible, remove the lesion.
Beyond Genetics: Risk Factors in Our Everyday Lives
Dive deeper into the factors that are driving the increase in cancer cases, even in young people:
- Diet and Processed Foods: Industrialization has filled our table with preservatives, chemicals, hormone disruptors, and dyes (like Red 40, banned in other countries but still present here!). Processed meats (sausages) are in the same carcinogenic category as asbestos.
- Cooking Methods: Cooking at high temperatures, smoking, or burning food can produce carcinogenic substances.
- Chronic Stress: The fast pace of life raises cortisol, the hormone that depresses our immune system , the first line of defense against malignant cells.
- Sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol: They are well-known risk factors that directly impact our health.
- Gut Health (Microbiota): A sick gut due to poor diet affects our nervous system and immune system, which is linked to autoimmune diseases and cancer.
- Nocturnal habits: Excessive use of screens before sleep affects sleep quality and melatonin production, which is key to cell repair.
Prevention Starts at Home: A Legacy for Our Children
Both doctors emphasize that cancer prevention should start from childhood. As parents, we have a responsibility to choose healthy lunch boxes, encourage physical activity, and prevent our children from growing up with obesity and bad habits that increase their risk of chronic disease.
The Challenge in Panama: Prioritizing Public and Personal Health
To point out deficiencies in cancer prevention policies at the state level. It’s “ugly to say,” but Panama doesn’t invest enough in primary care and early detection programs, which overburdens public hospitals with high-cost advanced cases (up to $60,000-$80,000 a month per palliative patient!).
What are our priorities? An iPhone, a quinceañero, or a host of other celebrations often cost a lot more than a preventative check. It’s time to invest in our health!
Take Control!
Early detection and prevention are our best weapons. Colonoscopy is safe, ambulatory, and painless. It can give you years of quality life. No matter the age, colonoscopy is tailored to each patient’s life expectancy.
Prioritize your health. Let go of excuses and fears. Look for suitable professionals and make checks a priority. Your health isn’t just an expense, it’s the most important investment of your life!
