Colorectal Cancer: Not just for the rich and famous

CEBU, Philippines - Pope John Paul II. Audrey Hepburn. Former US president Ronald Reagan. Former Philippine president and democracy icon Corazon Aquino.

They are among the notable people who succumbed to colorectal cancer.

It is not, however, a so-called rich man's disease, meaning that it afflicts only the rich and famous. Any ordinary Juan has the chance of acquiring it, and study shows the numbers of those who have the problem is growing.

Worldwide, it is estimated that there are about 1.23 million new cases of colorectal cancer detected every year. It's the fourth deadliest type of the "Big C" after lung, breast, and prostate in the list.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), in the Philippines, approximately 5,787 Filipinos were afflicted with colorectal cancer - a type of cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum - in 2010.

For the past 15 years in Metro Cebu, 2,121 cases of colorectal cancer in both sexes have been recorded. This is based on the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center's (RAFI-EJACC) Metro Cebu Population Cancer Registry.

What is colorectal cancer? It is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. It is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. This type of cancer can also be referred to respectively as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it starts.

More than 95 percent of colorectal cancers are a type of cancer known as adenocarcinomas. These cancers start in cells that form the glands that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum.

Most colorectal cancers develop slowly over several years. This is why colon cancer is a "silent killer," because the patients feel nothing until it is in the late stage.

The symptoms of the disease are numerous and nonspecific. These include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating.

Some patients have to go under the knife to see if he has the disease. Doctors will check the parts of the patient's digestive system or advise him to undergo certain tests and examinations.

This is not just costly but also scary to most people.

What to do to minimize the risk of acquiring colorectal cancer?

First is a change in lifestyle - what people eat and what they do to your bodies. Diet high in fat increases the person's risk of the disease. Those who love grilling red meat or eating processed food (bacons, hotdogs, sausages, etc.), are better  to minimize their consumption.

It's advisable to include in the diet food that's high in vegetables and fiber such as whole-grain breads and cereals. These contain less fat and help reduce the risk of cancer.

Another advice is not to be a couch potato. It helps to hit the gym or exercise at home for at least 30 minutes a day. The muscles need some stretching and moving. Also, a regular check on one's body mass index is important, to know whether he is overweight or underweight. Obesity is another risk factor for colorectal cancer.

A likewise "usual" but really important advice is not to smoke. This has been said a thousand times already. Stay away from second-hand smoke, too.

 Drinking moderately is also in the list. Those who have regular drinking sessions with pals shall drink in small quantities only.

Other variables for an increased risk factor but which we do not have control of include family history of colorectal cancer, age, and ovarian or breast cancer. The Department of Health also stressed that at the age of 50, one in four persons may have polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Colorectal cancer, though, can be avoided, and even cured, if detected early and through healthy lifestyle and screening. Early detection increases the chance of survival. Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for both sexes at age 50 through colonoscopy every five to ten years or through a yearly stool exam.

It is wise to start doing these things one step at a time. Small things always makes a big difference in the end. (FREEMAN)