7.6.2025. Blue star day celebrated

As in the past few years, the onkologija.net team participated in the celebration of Dress in Blue Day, organized by the PINK life patient association. This is an event that aims to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection of colon cancer. We are publishing the full article of the report:

Due to the extremely low turnout rate of Croatians for preventive examinations regarding colon cancer, and to raise awareness about prevention and the possibilities of preventing this type, the P.I.N.K. life association organized an open public health gathering this Saturday at the Kavkaz cafe.

People gathered for a reason – not out of fear, but out of concern. Not because of illness, but because of health. In order to say that prevention is one of the most important forms of love – towards ourselves, and towards those we love. And every year we should repeat the same calls and spread the same voice so that as many lives as possible can be prevented through prevention.

The gathering was also joined by primarius doctor Saša Srića, dr. Ivana Portolan Pajić, Dr. Trpimir Goluža, Dr. Mislav Herman, Dr. Pavo Kostopeč, Dr. Kust, Dr. Mladen Duduković, Dr. Stipo Matić, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tomislav Sokol, Member of the European Parliament and Coordinator of the European People's Party (EPP) Group in the Public Health Committee of the European Parliament SANT, Ms. Sunčana Glavak, Ljubica Lukačić, designer Diana Sokolić, writer Sanja Pilić, director Irena Škorić, writer Rosie Kugli, and many other friends of the association, public figures and interested young people who are increasingly involved in health issues through their work.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world with almost 2 million new cases and almost a million deaths per year. The causes of colon cancer are still unknown, but many studies confirm that the disease is most likely the result of the interaction of multiple factors. To a lesser extent, hereditary genetic syndromes and some intestinal diseases are one of the causes.

This type of cancer is the third most common in men and the second most common in women in 2022. According to the data of the Cancer Registry of the Republic of Croatia, in 2022, colon cancer was detected in 3,863 people (2,251 men and 1,612 women; ICD-10 codes C18-C20). This type of cancer is the second most common cause of death from malignant neoplasms in 2023. According to the data of the death database of the Croatian Institute of Public Health and the Croatian Statistical Office, in 2023, 1,996 people died of colon cancer (ICD codes C18-C20). Trend analyses show that the incidence of colorectal cancer in Croatia is increasing by about 1.1% per year, while mortality is decreasing slightly, by about 0.8% per year. We can reduce incidence and mortality by following prevention recommendations, such as:

• avoiding alcohol and tobacco products

• maintaining a healthy body weight

• a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while reducing consumption of red meat and cured meats)

• regular physical activity

• preventive check-ups

This educational event was welcomed by Ms. Ivana Đerek Dubravčić on behalf of the Mayor of Zagreb, Mr. Tomislav Tomašević, who stated on that occasion: “The Mayor of Zagreb is aware of how much such public health events contribute to raising awareness and providing information on public health topics, and is therefore happy to sponsor such events as this one. Almost 2,000 people die from colon cancer in the Republic of Croatia every year, and one way to reduce mortality is to adhere to prevention measures. Such events are important because citizens can receive verified and targeted information about the disease. By informing themselves about the risks, we increase general health literacy and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, but we also work on a proactive approach and prevention through responses to preventive examinations.”

National Colon Cancer Screening Program

In most cases, colon cancer develops relatively slowly from growths in the intestines – polyps, some of which can turn into malignant tumors when cells begin to divide uncontrollably. This is why this is a type of cancer that can be detected in both the malignant and early stages, which can save many lives and contribute to preserving the quality of life. If detected early, colon cancer is curable in 9 out of 10 cases. Therefore, it is important to regularly attend preventive examinations.

Dr. Pavo Kostopeč, abdominal surgeon from KBC Merkur, told the gathering:

“Today, our association P.I.N.K. Life organized a traditional public health campaign with the aim of combating and early detection of colon cancer. Traditionally, in the center of the Croatian metropolis, we organized a gathering with citizens and gathered health experts, representatives of state and city authorities, health administration, representatives of the general public, civil society, media, volunteers and patients. We gathered primarily with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of fighting colon cancer. Awareness of the individual and society as a whole is a key prerequisite for the success of combating the occurrence of cancer. A continuous and strong public campaign is needed, without interruption. Our campaign is not only here and today, it lasts 365 days a year. A high level of social awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection of cancer is difficult to achieve, and easy to lose. It does not matter at what stage we detect colon cancer. It does not matter whether we have detected a benign polyp or a carcinoma in its infancy or an advanced cancer with transplants. Cancer detected at an early stage means simple treatment and complete cure, full length and complete quality of life. Cancer detected at an advanced stage means multiple difficult surgical procedures, large scars, artificial openings and stomas, chemotherapy and radiation, a difficult overall treatment process, impaired numerous functions, reduced quality of life and early mortality. There are limited professional resources and limited financial resources. Additional optimization of the system is necessary so that existing resources are used in the best possible way. Correct indications, appropriate use of available equipment and well-organized work of professional teams guarantee a breakthrough and better results. Every doctor and medical technician who detects an altered polyp or cancer at an early stage through colonoscopy, which is then removed colonoscopically or with a simple surgical procedure and enables a cure, has saved the health and life of the patient, but also saved resources that would otherwise be spent on treating an advanced disease. I invite all patients who have cancer, both those who have been cured and those who are in the process of being treated for this terrible disease disease, to participate in our campaigns. And to bear witness to their disease, not only in campaigns. All patients who come out of their self-isolation, speak out about their disease and raise the level of social awareness about the importance of fighting colon cancer with their personal testimonies and experiences are, for me, heroes of modern times. I call on all adults, women and men aged 50 to 74, to respond to the national program for early detection of colon cancer. Every positive finding and timely detection of cancer in an early stage means a life saved. The fight against colon cancer is very intense, extremely demanding and never stops.”

By decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia at the end of 2007, the National Program for Early Detection of Colon Cancer was adopted. The National Program for Early Detection of Colon Cancer is aimed at improving the health of the population because early and timely detection and prevention of the disease enables a better quality of life. Every two years, all women and men aged 50 to 74 are invited by letter to have a test for invisible blood in the stool. Until now, the guaiac card test for detecting invisible to the naked eye, so-called hidden blood in the stool (abbreviated TOKS) has been used as a screening examination. People with a positive result are referred for a screening colonoscopy. Preparations are underway to reorganize the program due to the introduction of a new type of screening test that, according to research, is more sensitive (fecal immunochemical test, abbreviated FIT). A new, opportunistic colon cancer screening program for people at increased risk has been adopted, and planning for its implementation is underway. People at increased risk will be referred directly to a screening colonoscopy by family doctors, according to the type of individual risk.

We are grateful for every initiative, word and action that people take on the path of taking care of their own health and that together we can build a healthier future.

You can view the entire photo gallery from the event at the link.