Colorectal cancer explained: Prevention and treatment insights from Dr. Zee Ying Kiat
Colorectal cancer, most commonly known as colon cancer, has been the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, comprising about 10 percent of all cancer cases, and ranks second in cancer-related deaths. In 2020, the World Health Organization recorded more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer with 930,000 deaths worldwide. In the Philippines, almost 75 percent of individuals aged 50 are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, about one in 24 men and one in 26 women has a lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer, where men are recorded to have the disease more than women. Often referred to as a silent threat, it develops gradually without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Dr. Zee Ying Kiat, a Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at Parkway Cancer Centre, with extensive expertise in general medical oncology and a particular focus on gastroesophageal, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, expounded on the idea of the disease. Additionally, Dr. Zee Ying Kiat is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and a founding member of the Hepatopancreatobiliary Association of Singapore. He also worked as a medical oncologist at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, and has been honored with multiple awards in recognition of his commitment to research and patient care.
In a symposium held on Friday, March 14, Dr. Zee explained how people can get the disease, the symptoms, what to do when an individual has been diagnosed, and how they can manage their treatment effectively. He shared that colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer or large intestine cancer, originates from the tissues of the colon or rectum. While there were no known exact causes of the disease, people with several risk factors are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
Various risk factors that contribute to acquiring colorectal cancer include a personal history of cancer, a positive family history of colorectal cancer, aging, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, high red and processed meat diet, and consuming low-fiber meals.
Spotting symptoms and the importance of early screening
At the early stages of the disease, colorectal cancer shows no to minimal symptoms. This is why Dr. Zee emphasized the importance of early detection in saving lives. The absence of symptoms can be misleading for individuals as colorectal cancer develops silently when abnormal cell growth occurs in the large intestine.
“Screening can detect colorectal cancer before symptoms appear, allowing for early intervention,” Dr. Zee shared. He also mentioned that if any of these symptoms occurred, it is best to seek immediate medical attention for the treatment needed:
Change in bowel habits, blood presence in the stool, unexplained weight loss, feeling tired all the time, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, frequently having gas pains or cramps, feeling full or bloated, and persistent abdominal discomfort.
Dr. Zee also explained that identifying and removing the precancerous polyps through screenings can prevent them from progressing into cancer. While there are various screening tests available, he believes that colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening as it not only ensures an accurate diagnosis but also enables doctors to detect and remove the polyps before they become cancerous.
Advancement treatments and holistic care
Although colorectal cancer is considered to be a silent threat, it is now highly treatable, especially when diagnosed at an early stage. Various treatment options are available depending on how the disease has progressed.
Surgery, which involves removing the tissues that contain the tumor is the ideal treatment for early stages of cancer, with a high chance of curability. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also be used to improve the results. Meanwhile, if the cancer has unfortunately spread and advanced, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the ideal treatment options. Dr. Zee provided an assurance stating, “Cancer is not a death sentence. For patients diagnosed at an early stage and who undergo surgery, we can cure about 90-95% of cases.”
Aside from the available treatments, Dr. Zee and the other doctors at Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC) are considering genomic profiling. It is a cancer care tool that examines the patient’s genetic profile to develop tailored treatments. This method improves the diagnosis, therapy, and prevention strategies that lead to better outcomes. Dr. Zee also highlighted the importance of having a multidisciplinary team in treating colorectal cancer. The team includes oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and nutritionists who work together to tailor the optimal treatment approach for each patient.
Despite the assurance that colorectal cancer is treatable, Dr. Zee reminds everyone of the importance of early diagnosis and prevention as the disease often progresses without noticeable symptoms. Regular screenings such as colonoscopies and stool tests help detect precancerous polyps and prevent them from turning into cancer. Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle also plays a crucial role in disease prevention. It is important to stay physically active, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and follow a nutritious diet rich in fiber.
Dr. Zee’s expertise on colorectal cancer encourages individuals to prioritize their health and care for their bodies through regular screenings and early medical intervention when needed. PCC, along with Dr. Zee, is committed to providing comprehensive support for a transformative journey in cancer treatment through its team of experts and advanced facilities. Visit their website at https://www.parkwaycancercentre.com/ph/about-us/who-we-are to learn more.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by Parkway Cancer Center.
