RAK Hospital Raises Awareness on Colorectal Cancer: Free Consultations with Expert Gastroenterologist Offered

Colon Cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the UAE. Everyone over 45 should undergo routine screening.

 RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah is taking proactive steps to raise awareness about the dangers of developing colon cancer and the importance of screening. As part of their initiative, the hospital is offering free consultations with renowned Gastroenterologist Dr. Sayed Naveed Azam every Thursday from 3-5 pm until the end of this month.

Colon cancer ranks as the 3rd most common cancer in the UAE and is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The lack of symptoms during the initial stages of colon cancer makes it challenging to detect. Individuals may have polyps or colon cancer without realizing it, highlighting the vital role of screening. Symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, diarrhea, and constipation, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, abdominal pain, aches, cramps, and unexplained weight loss can indicate a problem. Consulting a doctor is crucial to understand the significance of these signs and determine the underlying cause.

Dr. Azam emphasizes the importance of screening, stating that early colon cancer often presents no symptoms. Screening involves checking for cancer in individuals without symptoms. It is recommended that all men and women aged 45 or older undergo routine screening for colorectal cancer. Those with a personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases, concerning symptoms like rectal bleeding, or women with personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial, or breast cancer may need to be screened before the age of 45.

Lifestyle factors such as a diet low in fruits and vegetables, low fiber and high-fat diet, high consumption of processed meats, overweight or obesity, lack of regular physical activity, and alcohol and tobacco consumption contribute to the development of the disease.

Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, emphasizes the hospital's commitment to creating awareness about important health issues in the community. With colon cancer being highly prevalent, he highlights the importance of getting screened. Screening tests can identify and remove pre-cancerous polyps, thus preventing the development of cancer.