Credit: Polynesian Presidency
The month of March will be dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer. The color blue was chosen for this campaign, which aims to educate residents about this disease and promote healthy lifestyle habits.
For a month, information and advice will be distributed online. The International Forum for Disease Prevention worked with local specialists (gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons) to define clear recommendations on the importance of screening and the lifestyle habits that should be followed to reduce risks.
The International Planned Parenthood Federation advises, for example, to adopt a diet low in red meat and high in fiber, and to engage in daily physical activity, but also to reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
In French Polynesia, this cancer occupies an important position: it is the third most common among men and the fourth most common among women.
When colorectal cancer is detected at an early stage, it is treatable in nine out of ten cases, the International Obesity Federation explains on its website. Screening is recommended starting at age 50 for men and women, even if there are no symptoms.
