Men more prone to colorectal cancer - Health DG

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- If breast cancer is the biggest health threat to women, men are more susceptible to colorectal cancer, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.



He said besides that individuals aged 50 and above were also at a higher risk of developing the cancer due to various factors.



"Among them are the genetic factors, eating habit, smoking, obesity and diabetes. Hence, undergoing regular health screenings are important for early detection (of the disease)."



"Those who are experiencing symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, weight loss and anaemia are advised to go to the hospital to determine the exact cause," he said after launching the clinical practice guidelines on management of colorectal carcinoma at the Selayang Hospital today.



Dr Noor Hisham said according to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report, between 35,000 and 40,000 cancer cases were being recorded each year and of the total, 13.2 per cent was colorectal cancer cases.



"(Although) The screening will be carried out on high-risk cases, we should look for other methods."



"...the colonoscopy procedure can also be carried out to detect colorectal cancer. The significant symptoms of the disease will only arise when it has progressed into stage three or four,? he said adding that cancer screening could also be done at government hospitals.



In terms of the cost of treatment for the colorectal cancer at government hospitals, Dr Noor Hisham said it could reach RM21,000 per patient but it was subsidised by the government.



He also advised the public to practice healthy eating habits by taking more high-fibre food, limiting the consumption of alcohol as well as not taking too much red meat and processed food in order to lower the risk of contracting the disease.



According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. The cancer can also be called as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it begins.



Most colorectal cancer starts as a growth called polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time but not all polyps become cancer. 



-- BERNAMA