Brazil study finds many delay care for colorectal cancer symptoms

A survey conducted by the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center together with Nexus interviewed more than 2,000 Brazilians about colorectal cancer signs. Eight out of ten respondents recognised blood in the stool and persistent changes in bowel habits as serious, and 67 % said these symptoms could indicate cancer. Nevertheless, almost half of those who noticed blood delayed seeking medical help: only 59 % went to a doctor immediately, while 40 % waited days, used home remedies or ignored the sign. Nine percent of participants reported having seen blood in their stool. Two‑thirds of respondents had never heard of the fecal occult blood test, and merely 11 % had ever performed it; awareness was lowest among people aged 16‑24, low‑income and low‑education groups. Samuel Aguiar, head of the Colorectal Tumor Reference Center, warned that early diagnosis improves cure rates and urged preventive exams from age 45 or earlier.