Center urges early screening to prevent colorectal cancer

A Cebu-based cancer center urged the public to undergo early screening to fight colorectal cancer.

The Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) also advised the people to observe a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a well-balanced diet.

March is Colorectal Awareness Month.

Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum become abnormal and divide without control, forming a mass called a tumor. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Cebuanos, based on the Cancer Registry of EJACC.

The center recorded 653 cases in Metro Cebu in 1998 to 2002 and 364 died of it. From 2002 to 2007, the number has increased to 862, of which 489 died of the disease.

Individuals aged 40 and above, who have a sedentary lifestyle, who are eating high-fat and low-fiber diet, who have family and medical history of the disease, and who have polyps and ulcerative colitis, face high risk of acquiring colorectal cancer.

“Colorectal cancer often exists without any symptoms. This is why regular screening is very important. Regular screening can detect polyps at an early state before cancer develops or when it is most curable,” said Ronald delos Reyes, EJACC program coordinator.

The the colon and rectum, which comprise the large intestine, are vital in turning liquid stool into formed fecal matter.

Colorectal cancer is characterized by a change in bowel movements, blood in the stools, abdominal discomforts, unexplained appetite and weight loss, fatigue and pelvic pain in the later stage.

Diagnostic procedures in detecting colorectal cancer include fecal occult blood test, rectosigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, irigography, virtual colonoscopy, fecal DNA test and double contrast barium enema. The disease may be treated through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

“The disease could be prevented by being health conscious and submitting to regular screenings,” Delos Reyes said.

For more information, contact EJACC at 254-6351 and look for Gina Mariquit.