Media
Prevent Colorectal Cancer through Early Screening
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the cancer of the lower part of your digestive system (colon). Most cases of CRC begin with small clumps of cells called polyps. Over time, these polyps manifest to become malignant (cancer cells).
Worldwide, CRC is the third most common cancer, with nearly 1.4 million new cases diagnosed in 2012 alone. Meanwhile, it is the most common cancer among men and second most common cancer among women in Malaysia. CRC is highly treatable if it is detected early.
Furthermore, screening methods such as Faecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBTs) and colonoscopy could effectively reduce the financial burden associated with CRC treatment/therapy and lower its mortality by 33% and 56%, respectively.
High-risk individuals include:
- Both men and women 50 years old and above.
- A person who has been diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps in the past.
- Suffers from chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
- Has a family history of colon cancer.
- Practices an unhealthy diet, low in fibre, high in fat.
- Lives a sedentary lifestyle.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol or smokes cigarettes.
- People who are overweight, obese or have diabetes are at greater risk.
- People who had undergone radiotherapy treatment.
Your Options For CRC Screening
Faecal Occult Blood Test
FOBT is the cheapest and most acceptable test available to screen for CRC. The test detects the presence of microscopic or invisible blood in the stool.
Possible reasons why blood would appear in the stool:
- Growth of non-cancerous polyps or cancerous cells.
- A ruptured swollen blood vessel (haemorrhoid) near the anus or lower rectum.
- Split and cracks in the lining of the anal opening.
- Inflammation caused by intestinal infection.
- Digestive diseases such as Crohn's or diverticular disease, ulcers, Merkel's diverticulam and other abnormalities.
FOBT Procedures:
- After an evacuation, wipe normally and retain a small amount of feces on toilet paper.
- Unscrew cap from buffer tube. Do not empty liquid from tube.
- Collect a small sample of feces onto the grooves of the wand.
- Return wand to tube.
- Shake tube for three (3) seconds.
- Unscrew smaller, clear cap.
- Apply 3 drops from buffer tube to sample well.
- Interpret results after five minutes. Do not read results after 10 minutes.
Most kits today use the immunochemical method (iFOBT or FIT) which is convenient, non-invasive, does not require you to go on a specific diet and you can see your results immediately. FOBT should be done once annually. You can get the kit at the nearest klinik kesihatan or public hospital for free. A positive FOBT result does not necessarily mean you have CRC, but it is a strong indication. Regardless, you need to make an appointment with your doctor for a follow up diagnose.
Colonoscopy
If your FOBT results come out positive or if you have reached 50 years of age and have an increased risk of CRC, you should consider a colonoscopy. This screening method allows doctors to probe into your large intestines (colon and rectum) using a colonoscope – which is essentially a tiny microscopic camera attached to a thin, flexible tubing. The device would help doctors search for signs of ulcers, polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. Also attached to the device is a loop called a 'snare' which is used to remove the polyps once they are positively identified. A sigmoidoscopy is basically similar to colonoscopy minus the range.
No One Understands Gut Health Better Than We Do
Vitagen® 维他精 MINUMAN SUSU KULTUR PERISA LB
VITAGEN is formulated with not one but two powerful strains of live, active cultures – Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei. The powerful duo helps aid digestion and maintains the delicate balance of our system for stronger immunity. It also assists in suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria for optimal digestive health.
BE GOOD TO YOUR GUT MALAYSIA'S FIRST & NO.1 CULTURED MILK DRINK
