Professor Roberto Persiani, a leading expert in colorectal cancer, is urging for increased awareness and screening for the disease which affects 50,000 people each year in Italy alone. As the head of the Minimally Invasive Oncological Surgery Unit at the A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation in Rome and President of the non-profit association EuropaColon Italia, Persiani emphasizes the need for early detection and prevention measures.
Colorectal cancer screening in Italy is currently targeted towards individuals aged 50 to 69, but Persiani suggests that the age range should be widened due to a rise in the age of onset of the disease. In the United States, one in three cases is diagnosed in people around 45 years old, highlighting the importance of starting screening at an earlier age.
The EuropaColon association, founded in 2019, aims to raise awareness about the disease and promote early detection through screening. With over 80 percent of cases having benign precursors that can evolve into malignant tumors, early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the need for costly and invasive therapies like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Persiani also emphasizes the role of awareness campaigns and patient testimonials in encouraging screening participation. By involving pharmacies in facilitating testing and launching educational initiatives like “I’ve been there talk to me,” EuropaColon aims to increase compliance with screening and ultimately save lives.
Additionally, the association has partnered with the Ministry of Education to educate students about colorectal cancer, turning them into “health ambassadors” in their families. Through campaigns like “The Best of Tomorrow” and Step Up, which focuses on lifestyle changes and primary prevention, EuropaColon is taking a comprehensive approach to combatting the disease.
Despite these efforts, Persiani highlights the challenge of maintaining screening rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to more advanced cases being diagnosed. With disparities in screening participation between northern and southern Italy, the need for continued awareness and education about colorectal cancer remains critical to improving outcomes and reducing the economic burden of the disease.
Through ongoing initiatives and advocacy, EuropaColon and experts like Professor Persiani are working towards a future where colorectal cancer can be effectively prevented and treated, ultimately reducing the impact of this widespread and potentially curable disease.