ISLAMABAD: A health expert on Friday stressed the need to create public awareness of ‘colorectal cancer,’ known as bowel cancer, and urged civil society groups to participate in awareness creation.
Talking to during a media interview, Surgical Oncologist Dr. Munazzah Aziz explained that ‘Colorectal cancer’ is the third-most common cancer among men globally. She added CRC awareness would make men and women in Pakistan aware of the disease. It could happen to both genders, and often symptoms are challenging to identify in the early stages.
Important to learn about prevention for cancer
She said, “It is important for people to learn about the prevention, management, and treatment options. Constipation, blood in the stool, changes in stool color, bleeding from the rectum, excessive gas, abdominal cramps, and abdominal pain could be a few indicators of this disease.”
She further said that in the early stage of this disease, “CRC is found in older individuals like sixty years or above. “However, in recent years, it has been an increase in younger people, especially it is increasing in men as compared to women in Pakistan,” she noted.
“Obesity, poor lifestyle, dietary habits, and lesser physical exercises are the main causes of increasing cases of CRC. An active lifestyle has been associated with a reduced risk of this disease,” she said.
“More screening for cancer, proper treatment, and early detection are key to controlling the disease at the right time. We must work together to ensure that persons are aware of the risks and feel empowered to seek timely treatment.” Dr. Munazzah emphasized.
The expert said, “It is essential that people in Pakistan should learn to conduct self-examination and seek early medical assistance to improve the outcome of CRC.” — APP
