Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and to create awareness, RBMI will be working with Specialist Surgeon Dr Basil Melonas for expert advice on colon cancer, to educate the public on what the symptoms are, the methods for screening, and treatment options
According to Specialist Surgeon Dr Basil Melonas, colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in South Africa.
Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer for short, is cancer that occurs in the colon and rectum. The colon is also known as the large intestine or large bowel.
Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp, a small growth of tissue that starts in the lining of the intestines. Polyps have the potential to become cancerous over time. The chance of getting polyps increases as one gets older, but environmental factors such as an unhealthy diet, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle have led to an increased prevalence of polyps and colon cancer among younger people.
Polyps can be easily detected by means of a regular colonoscopy, and doctors are able to remove polyps during the procedure without causing the patient any anxiety or discomfort.
Colorectal cancer in its early stages shows no symptoms. It is often diagnosed late, when at a more advanced stage, or it has spread to other parts of the body. With all cancers, early detection is the key factor in preventing the severity of the disease, and screening is one of the best tools available.
Dr Melonas has performed many colonoscopies and says it comes highly recommended as a good screening tool. Not only is it diagnostic, but it also allows doctors to take a biopsy to confirm and remove any polyps detected.
What is a colonoscopy?
Screening, or examining, of the inside of the colon is done by means of a colonoscopy. It is an outpatient procedure performed in theatre at RBMI, which takes about two hours to complete.
During the examination, a flexible scope with a fibre optic camera is used to look for, and remove, polyps. The patient is sedated and does not feel any pain during the examination. Upon waking up, many patients are surprised that the procedure is already over, Dr Melonas says.
Who should have a colonoscopy?
Dr Melonas recommends a regular colonoscopy for people over the age of 50. Patients older than 50 should undergo a colonoscopy every five years. People with an increased risk, such as those with a personal or family history of colon cancer, those with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, Chron’s disease, and those who have been exposed to abdominal radiation therapy should start screening earlier.
Signs and symptoms of possible colon cancer are:
- blood in the stool
- unexplained weight loss
- anaemia and fatigue
- feeling bloated
- a change in bowel habits (diarrhoea / constipation / stool consistency)
- rectal bleeding
- persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas or pain not related to diet)
If you are diagnosed with colon cancer, your doctor may recommend tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Staging helps to determine what treatment options are most appropriate for you. Staging tests may include imaging procedures such as abdominal, pelvic, and chest and CT scans, which we have at our RBMI facility.
RBMI has all the expertise and equipment to detect and treat various forms of cancer.
- Scans / colonoscopy
- State-of-the-art equipment and radiation technology
- World class theatre facilities
- Highly-skilled staff
All you need are conveniently available under one roof, right here in Zululand.
RICHARDS BAY MEDICAL INSTITUTE | 1 Lira Link Road, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal | 035 780 0240 | Email: info@rbmi.co.za
