Group alarmed over rise in colorectal cancer cases

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) has expressed alarm over the sudden rise in cases of colorectal cancer recorded in the country.

According to the PCS, the number of colorectal cancer jumped from 5,000 cases in 2010 to 9,700 cases in 2015.

As of 2022, data showed that colorectal cancer has become the third most common type of cancer with 20,736 cases, following breast cancer  (33,079 cases) and lung cancer (23,728).

“We are considering colorectal cancer as a surging cancer,” said PCS operations manager Romeo Marcaida on Thursday.

He noted that they have yet to find out what mainly causes colorectal cancer.

According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It can cause severe harm and death.