Colon cancer on the rise

Cases of colon cancer in Malta are on the increases, with roughly 150 - 160 new cases surfacing every year, according to Joe Garzia, head of endoscopy at Saint James Hospital, Sliema.

However, the good news is that the number of deaths from colorectal cancer dwindled to 72 in 2000 from 89 in 1996. Mr Garzia attributes this decline to an improved awareness but much remains to be done to persuade people to undergo screening tests, which could save their lives.

March is Colorectal Cancer Screening Month and Saint James Hospital will be offering free counselling and advice on how to prevent this disease, what symptoms to look out for and screening options available.

"Colon cancer is one of the deadliest yet most preventable malignancies. When diagnosed and treated early, it is curable more than 90 per cent of the time," Mr Garzia said in an interview.

Cancers of the large intestine, which includes the colon and the rectum, are the second most common cancer in women, after breast cancer, and the third most common in men, after prostate and lung cancer.

Since colon cancer may have no symptoms in the early stages, screening is vital. Experts estimate that routine screening could reduce the death toll by 50 to 75 per cent.

As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

¤ A change in bowel habits.
¤ A change in the way bowel movements look.
¤ Diarrhoea or constipation.
¤ Blood in bowel movements.
¤ Frequent gas pains.
¤ An unexplained loss in weight.
¤ Symptoms of anaemia, such as fatigue and tiredness.

People over 50 years of age, or those who had a family history, are the most susceptible to this disease and regular screening in this age group is important.

Screening tests can prevent colon cancer by finding polyps - small, non-cancerous tumours in the colon and rectum - and removing them.

Whoever opts to take the test will first undergo a detailed assessment followed by a blood and stool test to determine the risk. Depending on the outcome an endoscopy can be suggested. This is a minimally invasive, pain-free procedure, which lasts just 10 - 15 minutes.

Samples can be taken for further analysis and the results are immediate, Mr Garzia explained.

Though colon cancer occurs more frequently after the age of 50, Mr Garzia advised younger people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly from a young age.

It is suspected that westernised diets rich in red meat, proteins and animal fats, yet low in fibre could be contributing to an increase in colon cancer.

Lifestyle changes such as stress and a sedentary job coupled with an increase in alcohol consumption and tobacco can also contribute.

"Medical technology has improved tremendously throughout these last 20 years. We have the means and knowledge to diagnose disorders and disease at asymptomatic stage and even cure them with the minimal intervention possible," Mr Garzia said.

"What we need to change is the attitude of some that 'it's better if I don't know'".

Saint James Hospital will be launching an information campaign throughout this month.

How to prevent colon cancer

¤ Get regular screening tests beginning at age 50.
¤ Eat less red meat.
¤ Take a daily multivitamin with folate.
¤ Do at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
¤ Maintain a healthy weight.
¤ Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
¤ Eat more vegetables.