Report from The New Straits Times (Malaysia) dated 31 January 2012 :-
WITH early screening, detection and treatment, incidences of colon cancer will be reduced.
Unfortunately, there are still many who do not have access to such screening due to lack of awareness or financial problems.
Empowered! The Cancer Advocacy Society Of Malaysia has taken the initiative with providing screening for colon cancer for the lower income community
The first phase of the project, launched in 2010, focused on three underprivileged communities living in eight blocks of flats in Bandar Baru Sentul.
Last year, the second phase was carried out in Selayang and Gombak for residents of PPR Intan Baiduri, Taman Wahyu and Taman Prima Selayang.
From the first screening project, Empowered! president and founder Dr Christina Ng says eight per cent of the 15,000 people screened, were found to have blood in their stools. Of these, two per cent were found to have cancer and pre-cancerous changes in their biopsies.
“The good news is that they have undergone the necessary treatments including surgery and chemotherapy. Some of them have even been rendered free of cancer and are are going for follow-ups at hospitals.”
ON A ROLL
The second phase of the project, she says, was expanded to include 13 zones with more than 20,000 people. It was more challenging this time because there were more geographical locations and 700 people registered for the screening.
“We are now waiting for the results. We expect six per cent of the people to have blood in their stools. They are now waiting for colonoscopy at the hospitals to determine whether they have colon cancer.”
Dr Ng says the screening targets those aged 50 years and above as they are more at risk. Colon cancer is the second most common cancer affecting some 2,900 Malaysians each year. It is more common among Chinese males aged 50 and above. It is also the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality.
“However, when we did the screening we did not focus only on the Chinese. In the first phase, there were more Malays in the community compared to Chinese and Indians. But we found that those diagnosed with pre-cancerous and cancerous changes were mainly Chinese.”
The consultant medical oncologist at Sunway Medical Centre says the project has helped them gather more data about colon cancer in the country. She adds that the project has been successful in raising awareness of colon cancer.
“Based on the screening programme, we will have a greater understanding about the disease. A project such as this not only allows us to help the community but it also enables us to scientifically understand the disease better.
“
This way, we will be able to develop better ways of diagnosis and treatment in the future.”
HELPING MORE POEPLE
Dr Ng plans to run the Empowered! project yearly, going through every low income community in the Klang Valley. Eventually, she hopes, it will be extended to other parts of the country.
“We are hoping to create greater awareness of colon cancer with this programme. Colon cancer can be successfully treated if detected early. Chances of a cure is higher due to the ability to remove the cancerous growth before it spreads to other organs. It is a cancer that is worthy of attention.”
She says colon cancer can be present for years before symptoms appear. Symptoms may include blood in the stool, change in bowel habits, abdominal pains and weight loss.
“But these symptoms may also due to non-cancerous abnormality like peptic ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease. If you have any one of the symptoms, it does not mean you have colon cancer. But you need to have tests done. If these symptoms persist for two weeks, you need to see a doctor for further assessment.”
She says screening is recommended for those who are 50 and above, while those with a family history of colon cancer should have it at a younger age.
“Other risks are lifestyle choices — a diet low in fibre and high in fat and animal proteins may pre-dispose you to colon cancer. A healthy lifestyle may help prevent colon cancer,”
There are several screening methods to determine if a person is suffering from colon cancer.
These are faecal occult blood test (FOBT) or faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to detect blood in the stools which should be done yearly, flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years and colonoscopy every 10 years.
Fast facts
The largest intestine in the human body is composed of the colon, which stretches from four to six feet, and the rectum, which is only four to six inches long.
The inner lining of this “colorectal tube” can be a fertile breeding ground for small tumours, called polyps. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps in glandular tissue of the intestinal lining.
If colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated early while the tumour is still localised, the disease is highly curable, with five-year survival rates of about 90 per cent. If the tumour continues to grow, cancer can spread through the bowel walls to surrounding lymph nodes, tissues and organs as well as the bloodstream.
Risk factors
1. Other diseases: Colorectal cancer is strongly associated with certain other diseases. The high risk group includes anyone with a personal or family history of colon polyps, inflammatory disease of the colon such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and cancers of the pancreas, breast, ovaries, or uterus.
2. Heredity: As with any cancer, susceptibility to colorectal cancer is at least partly determined by genetic makeup.
3. Diet: Food also contributes to the risk of colorectal cancer, although the cause-and-effect relationship is still unclear. People whose diets are high in fruit and vegetables seem to have a reduced risk.
Many studies implicate animal fat and protein as promoters of colorectal cancer, although researchers are cautious about drawing any definite conclusions. Some studies show that regularly eating red meat, which is rich in saturated fat and protein, increases risk, while others find no connection.
Some scientists think that fat is the main culprit, while others suspect protein. Others contend that it’s not the fat and protein themselves, but the way the meat is cooked. They note that fats and protein cooked at high temperatures — especially when broiled and barbecued — can produce a host of potentially carcinogenic substances linked to colorectal cancer.
4. Lifestyle: Smoking and alcohol intake of more than four drinks per week increase the risk of colon cancer.
5. Family history: Those with a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer have an increased risk of the disease. The risk increases if more than one first-degree relative have colon cancer.
Curbing colon cancer
A non-profit organisation is helping the lower income community in the Klang Valley get tested for colon cancer, writes Kasmiah Mustapha
Research found that celery may help lower the risk of colon cancer. Researchers discovered the antioxidant luteolin in celery is capable of blocking the cell signals needed for colon cancer growth
Unfortunately, there are still many who do not have access to such screening due to lack of awareness or financial problems.
Empowered! The Cancer Advocacy Society Of Malaysia has taken the initiative with providing screening for colon cancer for the lower income community
The first phase of the project, launched in 2010, focused on three underprivileged communities living in eight blocks of flats in Bandar Baru Sentul.
Last year, the second phase was carried out in Selayang and Gombak for residents of PPR Intan Baiduri, Taman Wahyu and Taman Prima Selayang.
From the first screening project, Empowered! president and founder Dr Christina Ng says eight per cent of the 15,000 people screened, were found to have blood in their stools. Of these, two per cent were found to have cancer and pre-cancerous changes in their biopsies.
“The good news is that they have undergone the necessary treatments including surgery and chemotherapy. Some of them have even been rendered free of cancer and are are going for follow-ups at hospitals.”
ON A ROLL
The second phase of the project, she says, was expanded to include 13 zones with more than 20,000 people. It was more challenging this time because there were more geographical locations and 700 people registered for the screening.
“We are now waiting for the results. We expect six per cent of the people to have blood in their stools. They are now waiting for colonoscopy at the hospitals to determine whether they have colon cancer.”
Dr Ng says the screening targets those aged 50 years and above as they are more at risk. Colon cancer is the second most common cancer affecting some 2,900 Malaysians each year. It is more common among Chinese males aged 50 and above. It is also the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality.
“However, when we did the screening we did not focus only on the Chinese. In the first phase, there were more Malays in the community compared to Chinese and Indians. But we found that those diagnosed with pre-cancerous and cancerous changes were mainly Chinese.”
The consultant medical oncologist at Sunway Medical Centre says the project has helped them gather more data about colon cancer in the country. She adds that the project has been successful in raising awareness of colon cancer.
“Based on the screening programme, we will have a greater understanding about the disease. A project such as this not only allows us to help the community but it also enables us to scientifically understand the disease better.
“
This way, we will be able to develop better ways of diagnosis and treatment in the future.”
HELPING MORE POEPLE
Dr Ng plans to run the Empowered! project yearly, going through every low income community in the Klang Valley. Eventually, she hopes, it will be extended to other parts of the country.
“We are hoping to create greater awareness of colon cancer with this programme. Colon cancer can be successfully treated if detected early. Chances of a cure is higher due to the ability to remove the cancerous growth before it spreads to other organs. It is a cancer that is worthy of attention.”
She says colon cancer can be present for years before symptoms appear. Symptoms may include blood in the stool, change in bowel habits, abdominal pains and weight loss.
“But these symptoms may also due to non-cancerous abnormality like peptic ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease. If you have any one of the symptoms, it does not mean you have colon cancer. But you need to have tests done. If these symptoms persist for two weeks, you need to see a doctor for further assessment.”
She says screening is recommended for those who are 50 and above, while those with a family history of colon cancer should have it at a younger age.
“Other risks are lifestyle choices — a diet low in fibre and high in fat and animal proteins may pre-dispose you to colon cancer. A healthy lifestyle may help prevent colon cancer,”
There are several screening methods to determine if a person is suffering from colon cancer.
These are faecal occult blood test (FOBT) or faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to detect blood in the stools which should be done yearly, flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years and colonoscopy every 10 years.
Fast facts
The largest intestine in the human body is composed of the colon, which stretches from four to six feet, and the rectum, which is only four to six inches long.
The inner lining of this “colorectal tube” can be a fertile breeding ground for small tumours, called polyps. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps in glandular tissue of the intestinal lining.
If colorectal cancer is diagnosed and treated early while the tumour is still localised, the disease is highly curable, with five-year survival rates of about 90 per cent. If the tumour continues to grow, cancer can spread through the bowel walls to surrounding lymph nodes, tissues and organs as well as the bloodstream.
Risk factors
1. Other diseases: Colorectal cancer is strongly associated with certain other diseases. The high risk group includes anyone with a personal or family history of colon polyps, inflammatory disease of the colon such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and cancers of the pancreas, breast, ovaries, or uterus.
2. Heredity: As with any cancer, susceptibility to colorectal cancer is at least partly determined by genetic makeup.
3. Diet: Food also contributes to the risk of colorectal cancer, although the cause-and-effect relationship is still unclear. People whose diets are high in fruit and vegetables seem to have a reduced risk.
Many studies implicate animal fat and protein as promoters of colorectal cancer, although researchers are cautious about drawing any definite conclusions. Some studies show that regularly eating red meat, which is rich in saturated fat and protein, increases risk, while others find no connection.
Some scientists think that fat is the main culprit, while others suspect protein. Others contend that it’s not the fat and protein themselves, but the way the meat is cooked. They note that fats and protein cooked at high temperatures — especially when broiled and barbecued — can produce a host of potentially carcinogenic substances linked to colorectal cancer.
4. Lifestyle: Smoking and alcohol intake of more than four drinks per week increase the risk of colon cancer.
5. Family history: Those with a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer have an increased risk of the disease. The risk increases if more than one first-degree relative have colon cancer.