Peritoneal cancer, also known as peritoneal carcinomatosis, is a complex disease which, in most cases, arises as a consequence of the spread of other cancers, especially ovarian, colon or stomach cancers. Therefore, true prevention focuses on addressing the risk factors of these primary cancers, identifying any warning signs early and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
Healthy Habits to Reduce Risk
While there is no absolute way to prevent peritoneal cancer, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing one of the cancers that can lead to it.
- Healthy Nutrition: prioritize a diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables; limit animal fats and processed meats, and reduce alcohol consumption.
- Weight and Exercise: maintain a healthy BMI and engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, which helps reduce chronic inflammation and the incidence of several cancers.
- Smoking Cessation: quitting smoking is one of the most effective preventive interventions for reducing cancer risk.
High-Risk Management and Medical Checkups
Active prevention is especially important for individuals with a significant family history or genetic predisposition.
- Interventions for At-Risk Individuals
- Genetic Counseling and Testing: recommended if there is a family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancer. Identifying whether a patient has specific mutations such as BRCA1 and 2 allows for a range of options and the making of important medical decisions.
- Preventive Surgery: in women with BRCA1/2 mutations, prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes) is the most effective preventive measure, reducing the risk of ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer by more than 80%.
- Routine Medical Checkups
- Regular Colonoscopies: essential for detecting and removing polyps before they become colorectal cancer.
- Gynecological Exams: especially recommended for women with risk factors or a family history.
Risk Factors
The factors that influence the risk of developing cancers that can spread to the peritoneum fall into three main categories:
1. Demographic Factors and Medical History
- Advanced Age: the risk increases significantly after age 50-60.
- Family History: having first-degree relatives with ovarian, breast, colorectal, or pancreatic cancer increases the risk, even without known genetic mutations.
- Personal Medical History: conditions such as endometriosis can slightly increase the risk of some types of ovarian and peritoneal cancer.
- Obesity and Diabetes: both Factors are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and other digestive cancers.
2. Genetic Factors (High Hereditary Risk):
- BRCA1 y BRCA2 Mutations: significantly increase the risk of ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer.
- Lynch Syndrome: increase the likelihood of colorectal, uterine, and other cancers that can metastasize to the peritoneum.
3. Environmental Factors:
- Smoking: associated with multiple digestive and gynecological cancers.
- Exposure to Chemical Agents: substances such as asbestos are a recognized risk factor for peritoneal mesothelioma, a distinct type of cancer that directly affects the peritoneum.
Knowing these factors for preventive measures to be taken and closer monitoring for possible symptoms.
Conclusion
Peritoneal cancer requires a proactive prevention strategy. The combination of a healthy lifestyle, early identification of risk, and regular medical monitoring constitutes the best defense. Knowing your family history and communicating it to your medical team is essential to assess whether genetic testing or additional preventive measures are needed.
Prevention is not only possible, but essential, and early detection can make a significant difference.