BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN
CEBU CITY, April 8 (PIA) – Eleven to 12 Filipinos die every year due to colorectal cancer, dubbed as the 4th cause of mortality rate in cancer cases in the Philippines as the Department of Health (DOH-7) reiterated its call to adopt a healthy lifestyle to minimize the development of cancer.
Dr. Eugenia Mercedes-Cañal, acting chief of the Non-Communicable Diseases Section of the DOH-7 bared the data is taken from the World Health Organization in 2010. “We do not have the official data from 2011 to 2013, but the incidence on colorectal cancer is increasing by the year,” said Cañalin during the weekly forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) held this morning.
Cañal said colorectal cancer also ranked third in morbidity rate among Pinoys and cuts across both sexes but most at risk are those aged 50 years old and above.
Colorectal cancer is the abnormal proliferation of cancer cells in the large intestine down to the last portion to the rectum. Among the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer are weight loss, change in bowel habits, bloody stool, anemia, stomach ache and paleness, revealed Cañal.
“The cheapest diagnostic test that can determine colorectal cancer is the fecal occult blood test which can detect the presence of cancer in the body,” said Cañal. Other diagnostic examinations included colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy.
The health official said the etiology of cancer is unknown but there are predisposing factors that can lead to the development of colorectal cancer. “Predisposing factors include smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating unhealthy food diets, lack of exercise and too much stress,” said Cañal.
Non-modifiable factors mentioned by Cañal that places a person at high risk are age and genetics or familial history.
Cañal said in order to minimize the risks of developing any type of cancer, it is best for people to adopt a healthy lifestyle such as quit smoking, drink alcohol in moderation, eat a balanced diet with more on fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly and avoid too much stress.
Meanwhile, Cañal said there had been talks before about the possible inclusion of colorectal cancer treatment to be included in the expansion of the PhilHealth Z package benefit. “Possibly in the near future such proposal could be realized,” said Cañal.
According to the DOH-7, lung cancer remains the top cancer killer followed by breast cancer then cervical while fourth placer is colorectal cancer and fifth ranking is ovarian cancer. Leukemia and prostate is at sixth and seventh place, respectively. (mbcn/FCR/PIA-7)