Colorectal
cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Qatar and a
leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women in the
country, according to the Hamad Medical Corporation.
“Colorectal
cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Qatar.
To reduce the number of cases we are doubling our educational and
awareness efforts and highlighting preventive measures,” Dr Mohamed
Abunada, lead colorectal surgeon at HMC said.
“We are also working
hard to improve the treatment offered to people diagnosed with the
disease by implementing the latest and best surgical techniques,” Dr
Abunada said.
Statistics released by the Ministry of Public Health’s
Qatar National Cancer Registry indicate that among all male cancer cases
in Qatar in 2015, colorectal cancer was the second most common with 94
new cases reported, followed by leukaemia with 65 new cases.
Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum.
Also
known as bowel or colon cancer, most colorectal cancers begin as a
growth called a polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
Polyps are often non-cancerous, but some can develop into cancer.
He
said colorectal cancer symptoms may not be immediately apparent but can
include a change in bowel habits, for example, diarrhoea or
constipation, a change in stool consistency, rectal bleeding or blood in
the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort and belly pain, weakness and
fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
National Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month is held every year in March, and this year the National
Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) is using the occasion to
host activities designed to raise public awareness of colorectal cancer.
