Hana Nemer of SaidNGO (Spread Awareness Increase – early – Detection) welcomed visitors to LAU Medical Center-Hospital Rizk to a large balloon archway depicting the colonic pathway at an open house during the month of march for raising awareness of early detection of colorectal cancer organized by the association and the hospital. The event, which was held in two parts – also at the LAU-Saint John Hospital medical center – highlighted the importance of systematic screening for colorectal cancer in order to prevent the onset of the disease while making the promoting healthy lifestyle habits that may reduce the risk of developing cancer of the colon, rectum or anus, the three distinct types of cancer collectively referred to as colorectal cancer.
It is the third most common type of cancer in the world and regular screening tests from the age of 50 are recommended to detect this disease which can start in the rectum or the colon in a benign way and develop into polyps that risk turning into cancerous cells.
Two tests are essential for early detection:
– The FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) is a stool examination that can detect the possible presence of blood (even if it is not visible to the naked eye). The goal is to find out if there are any precancerous colon polyps that have started to bleed.
– Colonoscopy, a very precise examination which is done on an outpatient basis, is strongly recommended from the age of 50, as explained by Dr. Rajaa Chatila, gastroenterologist. She explains that it can detect the presence of polyps and prevent them from turning into cancerous cells.
If preventive examinations are advised, it is because in most cases, no symptoms indicate the presence of cancerous polyps. However, the signs that should alert and lead to consultation are the following: a change in bowel activity, the visible presence of blood in the stool, colic and bloating, unusual fatigue, unexplained weight loss or ‘anemia.
The importance of prevention is all the more important since the cases of colorectal cancer are 1 in 20 people. The earlier it is detected, the more lives can be saved and the suffering inherent in the disease avoided.
Hana Nemer of SaidNGO (Spread Awareness Increase – early – Detection) welcomed visitors to LAU Medical Center-Hospital Rizk to a large balloon archway depicting the colonic pathway at an open house during the month of march for awareness of early detection of colorectal cancer organized by the association and the hospital….
