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LVE YOUR COLON

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month!

                Fecal Occult Blood Test           Colonoscopy

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

          March is celebrated worldwide as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world. According to the Philippine Cancer Society, there were about 5,797 new cases in the Philippines for the year 2010, of which, there were 3,208 male and 2,579 female cases. This month is therefore a great opportunity for Filipinos to learn more about the prevention and treatment of this dreaded disease.

 “Colorectal cancer is one of the most curable cancers, especially when detected early”, according to Dr. Robert L. Chang, President of Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (PSCRS). “This is why it is important to know the significance of screening, as well as the common symptoms and risk factors”.  According to Ms. Christine, a colon cancer survivor, “I am fortunate that my cancer was diagnosed early . . . timely detection can spell the difference between survival and death”.

            Colorectal Specialists, in collaboration with Medicard Philippines, is launching a community-based colorectal cancer screening program in Makati  for all Medicard members and non-members alike starting this March, 2013 .   Scientific evidence is strong that increased awareness of, and comprehensive screening for, colorectal cancer saves lives.

  COLORECTAL SPECIALISTS, INC.

At the Forefront of Colorectal Care in the Philippines

Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

In the United States, colorectal cancer accounts for almost 10% of all cancer deaths. A total of 51,690 deaths from colorectal cancer are estimated for 2012. It is the third most common cancer in both men and women. In the Philippines, according to the Philippine Cancer Society, there were about 5,797 new cases for the year 2010, of which, there were 3,208 male and 2,579 female cases.

 Those who were born in the ‘60’s and are now in or near their golden years should undergo a colorectal cancer screening. This is because the chances of developing the disease increase considerably after reaching the half century mark. In fact, according to Dr. Robert L. Chang, President of the Philippine Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeon (PSCRS), “more than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people older than 50”.

There are different ways to screen for colorectal cancer

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) This test should be performed every year to check for tiny amounts of blood in the stool. FOBT involves placing a small amount of stool on a test pack. New FOBT uses the latest immunological-based test which does not require fasting and diet preparations. In concert with anFOBT, a flexible sigmoidoscopy should be done every 3 years. A positiveFOBT should warrant a complete colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy

During this procedure, a long flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and gradually advanced through the colon to look for polyps, suspicious areas that may have malignancy, or cancer. Polyps or tissue samples may be removed during a colonoscopy and send to the laboratory for biopsy. This procedure is recommended every 5 to 10 years.

Sigmoidoscopy

A sigmoidoscopy is an examination that allows the doctor to look inside the rectum and lower (sigmoid) colon for polyps using a narrow, lighted tube called a sigmoidoscope. If any polyps are found during the exam, they can be removed in a procedure called a polypectomy. A sigmoidoscopy is recommended every three to five years.

Digital Rectal Exam

During a digital rectal exam, a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormal lumps or areas. This should be part of a routine physical examination.

From the time the first abnormal cells start to grow into polyps, it usually takes about 10 to 15 years for them to develop into colorectal cancer. Regular screening can, in many cases, prevent colorectal cancer altogether. This is because some polyps, or growths, can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening can also result in finding colorectal cancer early, when it is highly curable.

Colorectal Specialists provides comprehensive, advanced, and efficient care to wide range of colorectal conditions. Its expertise is in the surgical management of colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and other benign disorders like hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulae, polyps, constipation, fecal incontinence, sexually transmitted anorectal diseases, and other colorectal problems. It always strives to provide comfort, privacy and total quality service to its clienteles.

This specialist clinic is located at the 3^rd Floor, Medicard Lifestyle Center, #51 Paseo de Roxas Cor. Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave., Makati City, with Tel. No. 555-0832, Cell phone No. 09266305759. The clinic is open from Mondays to Fridays - 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and on Saturdays - 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Also, please visit www.colonandrectalspecialists.com or www.crsi.com.ph

 * What are some common misconceptions about hemorrhoid treatments?

One misconception about surgery for hemorrhoids is that it can cause fecal incontinence, or the inability to control farting or defecation.  Again this is not true. Properly done hemorrhoid surgery, using any of the techniques discussed previously, does not entail cutting or injuring the anal muscles.  Therefore no complication such as incontinence should develop. 

Another misconception about hemorrhoid treatment is the use of lasers.  A true LASER is defined as Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, and in medical applications is used as a very fine, and precise cutting instrument (such as when in ophthalmology).  The technology is very expensive, and therefore using a true laser for hemorrhoid surgery makes the procedure quite prohibitive

There are other misconceptions in the public about hemorrhoid treatment. Unfortunately this is propagated by many false claims and unscrupulous practices.  Hemorrhoids are a very common condition that is often bothersome, sometimes very painful, but never life-threatening.  All symptoms must be evaluated by a doctor to make sure one truly has hemorrhoids. There are a variety of surgical and non-surgical options, and these should always be discussed first with an expert prior to making a decision on treatment.

* Note: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. For any inquiries please Visitor calls your specialists.