According to a Hamad Medical Corporation official, colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in Qatar, and the leading cause for cancer-related deaths in the country.
Dr. Mohamed Abunada, lead colorectal surgeon at HMC, stated that “environmental conditions, family history and diet are among the major factors that can lead to colorectal disease”.
Colorectal cancer begins in the rectum or colon. It usually starts with a polyp in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are non-cancerous. However, some polyp, particularly the ones on the right side called hyperplastic and adenoma polyps are cancerous and should be removed.
Colorectal cancer is common among people aged 50 and older, but that does not necessarily mean younger people cannot get the disease. Men are also more likely to develop this particular cancer. Symptoms include constipation or diarrhea that does not go away, cramping or bleeding in rectum, bloating and belly discomfort, pelvis pain and unexplained weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms, since colorectal cancer is not easily detected. It is only when the cancer is at its latter stages that it is often diagnosed.
However, the risk can be lowered by avoiding a diet full of fat-rich and high-protein foods, maintaining an active lifestyle and quitting smoking.
To help reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in Qatar, HMC is doubling its efforts to educate people and make them aware that preventive measures are available. March, for instance, is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Together with the National Center for Cancer Care and research, HMC hopes to raise public awareness.
“Activities held at NCCCR during the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month aim to educate the public about the importance of prevention and specifically about limiting their risk of developing a disease such as colorectal cancer by taking steps such as making lifestyle changes and being screen for colorectal cancer regularly,” said Catherine Gillespie, NCCCR Nursing executive director.
Gillespie also added that “preventive health measures can help improve population health and impact and how cancer is identified, diagnosed and treated in the country”.
