The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WITH this month dedicated to raising awareness of colorectal (colon) cancer, the Cancer Centre in Nassau will host a lecture series that is expected to help Bahamians gain much needed knowledge of disease.

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the Bahamas. In order for people to prevent the disease, it is imperative they are fully aware of its symptoms, treatments and various measures that can be taken to possibly lower the risk of the disease’s development.

In light of this, the Cancer Centre is inviting the general public to a free lecture tonight (March 31) from 6.30pm to 8pm. The event will feature Dr Amaresh Hombal, a consultant radiologist at the Imaging Centre, and Dr Gemma Rolle, a gastroenterologist.

During the event, Dr Rolle is expected to present on the topic “Colon Cancer - Preventable, Treatable, Beatable”.

Colon cancer refers to a malignant tumour arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Once a colorectal cancer forms it begins grows in several ways. The cancer can grow locally and extend through the wall of the intestine and invade adjacent structures, according to information provided by the Cancer Centre.

As the cancer grows it begins the process of metastasis, shedding thousands of cells a day into the blood and lymphatic system that can cause cancers to form in distant locations. Colorectal cancer most commonly spreads first to local lymph nodes before travelling to distant organs.

During the free lecture event, Dr Hombal will present on virtual colonoscopy, a medical exam that screens the colon.

As part of the colonoscopy procedure a flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and beyond to visualise the inside of colon. Virtual colonoscopy (VC, also called CT colonography) is a non-invasive medical imaging examination which uses X-rays and computers to produce images of the large intestine (colon), according to Dr Hombal.

“VC is more comfortable than conventional colonoscopy because it does not involve inserting a tube all the way around the colon. No sedation is needed in VC and the patients can immediately return to their usual activities after the procedure. The lack of sedation also lowers the risk of the complications associated with it. It also takes less time than either a conventional colonoscopy or a lower GI series. The entire examination is usually completed within 15 minutes. VC also provides a secondary benefit of revealing diseases or abnormalities outside the colon,” he said.

Dr Hombal will further discuss the benefits of undergoing a virtual colonoscopy and the importance of taking such medical test as soon as possible.

“The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women and men undergo screening for colon cancer, or polyps, beginning at age 50. ACS suggests a colonoscopy once every 10 years or a VC once every five years. Individuals at increased risk or with a family history of colon cancer may start screening at age 40 and may be screened at shorter intervals,” he said.

Dr Hombal said risk factors for colon cancer include a history of polyps or having a family history of colon cancer, while major signs of colon cancer include a persistent change in bowel habits, the presence of blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort or pain, bloating and unexplained weight loss.