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Free screenings for colorectal cancer until April 20

Dubai - During last year's campaign launched in September, 148 participants were screened among which 12 positive results were detected

The second edition of 'Screen and Survive' initiative, launched by Zulekha Hospital, is back to encourage people to get checked for colorectal cancer.
Sharjah and Dubai branches will offer free screenings until April 20 to increase awareness of early screening and detection of colorectal cancer that kills 700,000 people every year worldwide in line with the UAE's 2021 goal of reducing cancer cases by 18 per cent.
Dr Robert Warren, Professor of Surgery, Surgical Oncology at the University of California, told Khaleej Times that although colon cancer is the second most common cancer in the UAE, survival rates can range from 80 to 92 per cent if detected early.
"The prevalence of colorectal cancer is higher in UAE than other parts of the world. While reasons are not clear, but lifestyle has been among the main contributors of developing the diseases," said Warren.
He added that wrong dietary habits of consuming low-fibre food and high levels of red meat contribute to colorectal cancer, besides the genetic element present in some families.
He noted that risk of disease increases for people over 45 years old. One of its main symptoms is find blood in the stool, detected through stool examination Zulekha Hospital is currently conducting for free to help catch early stages, which originally costs Dh300. Constipation and prolonged bowel pain are other warning signs.
During last year's campaign launched in September, 148 participants were screened among which 12 positive results were detected. Two of the patients went back for a colonoscopy, a more thorough bowel examiation. "Last year, we set out to break the taboos of talking about colorectal cancer, raising awareness of the disease and encouraging men and women to get screened early on to prevent it," said Zanubia Shams, Co-Chairperson of Zulekha Hospitals.
She said that public awareness is a necessary step to help detect cancer earlier and make sure patients have access to better and cheaper treatment.
Meanwhile, Warren said unlike breast cancer where certain physical symptoms can help detect the disease, there are two main ways of diagnosing colorectal cancer, which is stool examination and colonoscopy.
"People usually have fear of finding diagnosing cancer, thinking that their life will be over. But chances of cure are very high during early detection," he said.
UAE residents are encouraged to make their free consultation appointment with the team of respected specialists in Dubai and Sharjah over the next two months by visiting http://crc.zulekhahospitals.com/ or by calling 600 524 442.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com