On the occasion of the World Health Organization’s proclamation of March as a month of awakening and awareness for colorectal cancer, the 2nd Department of Advanced Surgery of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki organized an event entitled “Modern Developments in the Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer”, on Friday, March 15, 2024.

The open scientific event aimed to inform the public about the latest data on the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer and the activities of the Colorectal Department of the 2nd Department of Advanced Surgery of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki at the General Hospital “Hippocrates”.

Worrying rates of increase

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second most common in terms of patient deaths. Globally, 2 million new cases are diagnosed annually, while the number of deaths reaches 930000!

In recent years, colorectal cancer has been increasing at an alarming rate. This is happening at such a rate that the World Health Organization estimates that in the next 15 years, new cases per year will reach 3.5 million and deaths 1.6 million (73% increase). Young patients (under 50 years old) show an annual increase of 3% and at the time of diagnosis, they are often already at an advanced stage.

The topics developed during the event were: “Diet and Colorectal Cancer”, “Prevention and Newer Developments in the Surgical Treatment of Colorectal Cancer” and “Newer Developments in the Oncological Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancer”.