Colorectal cancer 3rd highest killer disease

Colorectal cancer 3rd highest killer disease - Yahoo! Philippines News: "'Our colon can be likened to how the colon of a cow works; it is more suitable for fibrous food like vegetables and fruits rather than meat,' explains Dr. Manuel Francisco T. Roxas, president of the Philippine Society of Colorectal Surgeons (PSCRS) during the recently concluded 1st National Convention on Colorectal Surgery. Dr. Roxas, who is also the head of The Medical City's (TMC) colorectal surgery section shares that colon cancer is now ranked as the third killer disease in the country, an alarming jump from its seventh spot 10 years ago. Global scenario Worldwide, colorectal cancer is a very common condition. But colorectal surgery had become active and vibrant especially in European countries that the development in technology and specialization has led to higher survival rates of colon cancer patients. Meanwhile, the death rate in countries that have strong screening programs and where treatment is sophisticated is going down." Sadly, the same cannot be said about local conditions. While the country does not have a strong screening program, there are also very few doctors who specialize in the field of colorectal surgery.

If truth be told, more Filipinos suffering from the disease die compared to its neighboring countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. "Our survival rate for colon cancer (based on 2005 data) is 48 percent (while) rectum cancer is 19 percent!" Early detection With the slim chance for survival, it is likely that the future of a colorectal cancer patient is as gloomy as a stormy night. Yet, according to Dr. Roxas, through screening, colorectal cancer can be avoided, and in fact, it can be cured if detected early. Majority of people who get colorectal cancer belongs to the average age of 60 and it takes 10 years for a polyp to become a cancer. Thus, Dr. Roxas strongly encourages every Filipino to get a screening once they reach the age of 50 since it is a way to detect possible polyps in its early stage. Blood examination or fecal occult blood, another way for screening aside from colonoscopy, costs P200 to P400 a year. Before colorectal cancer could get worst, Dr. Roxas says that blood in the stool is the most obvious tell-tale sign that one needs to have a check up right away. "They won't get any check up for months until they find out that it is more advanced than we hope it should be. Any bleeding should be check out. You don't want to assume. Leave a hemorrhoid behind as long as you know that it is a hemorrhoid," he stresses. Other symptoms are: Change in bowel habit, alternating diarrhea then constipation, persistent abdominal discomfort such as cramps, gas or pain, abdominal pain with bowel movement, a feeling that bowel doesn't empty completely, unexplained anemia, weakness or fatigue, weight loss with no known reason, and narrow or thin stools.

5 Fiber-filled food must-haves

Pears
Most people are unaware of the fact that pears contain more fiber than prunes. An average size pear packs five grams of fiber, compared to only three grams in one prune!

Light popcorn
Many people wouldn't suspect it, but a serving of popcorn actually packs four grams of fiber. Popcorn is also a good source of whole grains, and because it's popped with air, you fill up on less.

Whole-grain cereals and bread
Whole-grain cereals are a great opportunity to get in 14 grams of fiber early in the morning while 100 percent whole-wheat breads contain twice the fiber and almost half the calories of their all-white counterparts!

Cucumber
Adding a crunchy cool cucumber to your salads is an especially good way to increase your fiber intake because cucumber comes naturally prepackaged with the extra fluid you need when consuming more fiber. Plus, you get the added bonus of vitamin C, silica, potassium and magnesium.

Green peas
Due to being low calorie but very nutrient dense, green peas make an excellent snack if you are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Green peas have also been prescribed to increase energy function in the body. Green peas are said to maintain healthy vision as well as improve immune function.

For more information, visit www.themedicalcity.com or email mail@medicalcity.com.ph.