March is recognized as the month of awareness for colorectal cancer, one of the most serious oncological diseases in Slovakia. The country ranks second in the world in the number of newly diagnosed cases, with only Hungary having a higher rate. On average, 32 Slovaks die from colorectal cancer each week. Experts emphasize that up to 98 percent of cases could be completely prevented. “It is a disease that develops over 10 to 15 years. During this long period, small growths called polyps first appear, and at some point they grow large enough to start penetrating the intestinal wall, turning from a benign condition into a malignant one,” explained gastroenterologist Tibor Hlavatý.
Doctors can remove these growths within minutes during a colonoscopy. Prevention begins with a stool test for hidden bleeding carried out by general practitioners. Former cancer patient Marián Božík, whose life was saved by a preventive test, encourages the public to participate. “I have undergone colonoscopy eight times and never felt any pain,” he said. Screening is recommended every two years for people aged 50 and older. Jana Pifflová Španková, founder and president of the patient organization NIE RAKOVINE, said population screening between the ages of 50 and 75 is crucial. “We could reduce mortality by at least 50 percent,” she noted. Health insurance companies in Slovakia cover preventive colonoscopy once every ten years for patients over the age of 50.
Source: STVR
