Early detection arrests colon cancer

Aug 13, 2009

EDITOR—Last week saw the passing of the former President of the Republic of the Philippines, Mrs. Corazon Aquino, after a year-long battle with colon cancer. Her death reminds us to raise peoples’ awareness and understanding of the disease and how to

EDITOR—Last week saw the passing of the former President of the Republic of the Philippines, Mrs. Corazon Aquino, after a year-long battle with colon cancer. Her death reminds us to raise peoples’ awareness and understanding of the disease and how to avoid it.

According to the World Health Organisation, there are over 100 types of cancer which constitute some of the leading causes of death around the world. Currently, cancer causes about 13% of all human deaths globally. More than 70% of all cancer deaths occur in low and middle income countries, including Uganda.

It is also important to note that cancer may affect people of all ages, including foetuses but the risk for most varieties increases with age. Most cancers are more likely to develop in people over 40 years of age. Colon cancer arises from the abnormal growth, transformation and multiplication of cells in the colon which is the last portion of the digestive system.

Like many other types of cancers, if left untreated, colon cancer grows and eventually spreads through the colon wall to involve the adjacent lymph nodes and organs. Ultimately, it spreads to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, brain, and bones.

It normally overwhelms healthy cells, tissues, and organs by taking their oxygen, nutrients, and space leading to the death of the victim. There are no reliable statistics that are readily available about the prevalence of colon cancer in Uganda. However, many people in Uganda could be at risk of getting the disease or may be struggling with it.

Despite this, many people do not seem to be aware of or do not understand this kind of cancer. To make matters worse, globally, and more specifically in Uganda, there is less media coverage of this deadly disease. Although a significant proportion of cancers can be cured by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, especially if they are detected early, Dr Olwenyi Obbo of Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, says that in Uganda’s situation it is complicated by the fact that we lack treatment facilities and often there are no pathologists.

The drugs are expensive, not easily available and very few centres offer treatment. Besides, many patients come too late to hospital and often all that can be done is palliation which is not often available.

The situation leaves us with no option but to encourage our people to adopt preventive measures. According to the WHO, over 30% of all cancers can be prevented. Others can be detected early, treated and cured. Even with late stage cancer, the suffering of patients can be relieved with good palliative care.

Like other cancers, the best prevention measure against colon cancer is early detection and treatment. People should be encouraged to go for regular screening for colon cancer at recognised medical centres with qualified medical staff.

Some of the things that experts recommend in order for people to lower the risk of developing colon cancer include engaging oneself in physical activity on a daily basis; having a healthy diet, especially eating a variety of fruits and vegetables daily and stopping or avoiding smoking cigarettes and taking other potentially harmful substances.

Edward Tujunirwe
International Affairs Uganda National Council for Science and Technology

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