Asofarma Launches Website to Fight Colorectal Cancer

Asofarma launched the webpage laprevencionempiezaadentro.com to offer access to information regarding colorectal cancer and fight a growing health concern across the country.

The mortality rate of colorectal cancer increased by 1.3 percent in women and 2.7 percent in men annually from 1998 to 2018, found a study published in the Mexican Public Health magazine. The study concluded that mortality rates and other serious health complications from the disease are increasing, particularly among northern and urbanized states and residents who do not have access to health insurance. A primary reason for mortality remains late diagnoses, as many are unaware of the symptoms for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal caner is the country’s most common type of cancer, with 15,000 new cases diagnosed each year, and fourth in mortality numbers. Asofarma’s Medical Director, Arturo Vázquez Leduc, launched the webpage laprevencionempiezaadentro.com to fight these growing rates through the distribution of useful information to everyone who has internet access.

The webpage’s primary focus seems to be getting users to schedule a colonoscopy, providing visitors a “Find Your Medic” tool. Clicking on the link provides a directory of specialists who are a part of the Mexican Association of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (AMEG). A colonoscopy can help detect and stop cancer even before it develops by looking for and eliminating polyps.

As the website mentions, the severity of the disease and its increasing numbers can well be stopped through seeking treatment, as nine out of 10 cases are cured through timely diagnosis and treatment. Colonoscopies are recommended as regular health screenings for anyone over the age of 50, which is when the risk for the disease begins to increase. This is particularly the case for those with a family history of cancer, who account for 20 percent of cases. However, young people are also likely to benefit from the diagnosis, as cases observed among young individuals are also on the rise.

Vázquez Leduc also recommends a healthy diet and regular exercise to prevent the disease. More than half of the country, 55.6 percent, currently has an insufficient diet that increases overweight risks, which could lead to colorectal cancer. Primary symptoms for the disease include abdominal pain, constant diarrhea and constipation with blood expulsion during discharges, fatigue and inexplicable weight loss.