Colon cancer is one of the commonest cancers in Uganda. But it can be prevented. It can be easily detected using a cost effective easily accessible screening method (FOBT)

1. YOU CAN AVOID DEATH FROM COLON CANCER
Dear Editor,
On Sunday evening, we lost Abel Dhaira to colon cancer at such a young and productive age of
28 years. Whereas over 90% of colon cancer patients are aged over 50 years, Dhaira’s case was
exceptional. On Holy Thursday, the world also lost Johan Cruyff to lung cancer.
Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon
cancer, for short. According to world cancer report (2002), colon cancer is on rapid increase
compared to other cancers.
Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the
colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed
before they turn into cancer. About nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancers are
found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later
Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at first.
Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened
regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.
If you have symptoms, they may include;
 Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).

2.  Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away.
 Losing weight and you don’t know why.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They may be caused by something other
than cancer. The only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.
A screening test is used to look for a disease when a person doesn’t have symptoms. (When a
person has symptoms, diagnostic tests are used to find out the cause of the symptoms.) If there
are no other risk factors such as family history, physicians recommend colon cancer screening
for all adults beginning at the age of 50. The incidence of colon cancer increases with age.
Ninety-percent of colon cancer diagnoses are in people over the age of 50. Common screening
tests for colorectal cancer screening include fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) every year,
sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. FOBT uses a chemical reaction to find traces of blood in stool.
A positive result on a FOBT should lead to colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, doctors can take
samples of the colon (biopsies) and remove polyps.
Almost all colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or
rectum. Such polyps can be present in the colon for years before invasive cancer develops. They
may not cause any symptoms. Colorectal cancer screening can find precancerous polyps so they
can be removed before they turn into cancer. In this way, colorectal cancer is prevented.
Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when there is a greater chance that treatment will
be most effective and lead to a cure.
Several lifestyle-related factors have been linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer. The links
between diet, weight, exercise, and colorectal cancer risk are some of the strongest for any type
of cancer. Diets that are high in red and processed meats, as well as meats that are cooked at high
temperatures, can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Diets high in fruits and vegetables can
decrease the risk. Physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and Type 2 diabetes
all increase an individual’s risk factor. People may reduce their risk of developing colorectal
cancer by increasing physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco.
Overall, the most effective way to reduce your risk of death from colorectal cancer is by having
regular colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 50.

3. Innocent Atuhe, Executive Director of Uganda Cancer Fund, fundforcancer@gmail.com