Experts encourage early diagnostic tests, as 95% of cases are non-hereditary

Medical studies have projected that 15,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed each year in the MENA region1. This adds to the thousands of people already suffering from colorectal cancer, making cancer the fourth leading cause of death in the region. However, medical experts have encouraged the public to undergo precautionary tests, as early diagnosis will detect the cancer in its infancy and greatly enhance the patient’s chances of recovery.

Weighing in on the matter, Dr. Ala al Ajeel, Consultant in general, Gastroenterology and Laparoscopic surgery from Saudi German Hospital Dubai, offered some potentially life-saving recommendations: “As medical practitioners, one recurring problem that we face is that patients often wait until they are ill before seeking a diagnostic test. You have nothing to lose by staying on the safe side and getting a test. If no tumor is detected then that’s great news; but even if a tumor is detected, you have enhanced your chances of successful treatment by diagnosing it early.”

According to medical estimates, one in 20 of colon cancer cases is hereditary2. These individuals acquire a genetic mutation from one or both of their parents, which subsequently develops into cancer. Such individuals are also more likely to pass on the mutation to their own children.

However, Dr. Ala Al Ajeel, from Saudi German Hospital Dubai pointed out a silver lining in the dark cloud of cancer: “The reality is that although cancer is a very challenging condition, there are ways of managing it effectively to enable cancer patients to move on with their lives. We strive to be optimistic, and the good news is that many factors are within the patients’ control. The key is greater awareness: like the tumor itself, knowledge can grow throughout the nation, and we must spread awareness because making well-informed choices is the only sure-fire way to combat cancer.”

In addition to colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma is another condition that is becoming a greater threat in the region. However the bright side is that the region’s leading hospitals are well-equipped to deal with various forms of cancer and give patients the best possible chance of overcoming such conditions.