Keeping colon cancer risks at bay

According to the latest statistics, colon cancer is the second commonest cancer among male and female and overall, the third commonest cause of cancer deaths in Malaysia. It typically affects adults over the age of fifty but the rates of this type of cancer among people under fifty have been increasing.

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine. The large intestine (colon) is the end part of the digestive tract. It usually begins with small growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum that change into cancer over time but not all polyps become cancerous.

In the early stages of the disease, many people may not experience any symptoms, however, when the symptoms appear, they may vary depending on the cancer’s size and location in the large intestine.

In this interview, Dr. Hamizah Razlan, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Physician at KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, speaks on how to keep colon cancer risks at bay.

In addition, she also shares her medical insights on:

The various factors that may raise a person’s risk of developing colon cancer. She says the risk increases as people get older, if there is a family history of this disease, rare inherited medical conditions, physical inactivity and obesity, smoking or dietary habits such eating more red meat and processed meat.
The symptoms for the various stages of the cancer and how the diagnosis is made.
What can be done to prevent or reduce the risks of the disease.
The treatments available for the different stages of the cancer.
The multi disciplinary team and support for someone who is diagnosed with colon cancer.