On occasion of World Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, the partnering organizations aim to educate people on colorectal cancer and encourage early detection through identification of the symptoms.

• Zakat Fund, in association with Roche, is organizing Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day on 25th March at Officer’s Club in Abu Dhabi, expected to be attended by 200 people from UAE

• Al Noor Hospital is organizing Colorectal Cancer Awareness activities on 26th March offering free consultation, distribution of educational material and discounted screenings.

• A walk-through inflatable colon would be displayed at each of the venue with disease indications, to help people understand the different stages of the diseases

Colorectal cancer is diagnosed in over 1.2 million people globally each year; it is the second most common cancer in women and the third most common cancer in men. According to World Health Organization, the disease is responsible for approximately 609,000 deaths each year (8% of all cancer deaths), making it the fourth leading cause of cancer death after lung, stomach and liver cancers.

In 2012, it accounted for 9.9% of all cancer deaths in Abu Dhabi alone.1It is the third most commonly reported cancer in the world accounting for more than 600,000 deaths worldwide every year.2 To create awareness on the fatal disease and educate people on the identification of early symptoms, Roche joined hands with Zakat Fund and Al Noor Hospital to organize Colorectal Cancer Awareness activities in the last week of March.

“Over one million cases of colorectal cancer are reported annually, worldwide. Detecting the disease at an early stage and adopting accurate treatment path, is essential for survival from the disease. Through our partnership, we aim to increase the level of awareness on colorectal cancer in this region and improve the survival rates through early detection,” says Odeta Rimkeviciute, Roche Communication Director Management Center UAE.

The partnership marks Roche’s commitment to improve patient access to best quality treatment in this region. Through raising awareness and educating the common public, the company is aiming to fill the knowledge gaps, while enabling the medical community to help more and more patients.

Colorectal cancer develops from small growths called polyps that can form in the lining of the colon or rectum. Although the majority of polyps never become cancerous, cancerous polyps are responsible for most cases of colorectal cancer. If detected at an early stage, a cancerous polyp can usually be removed. The treatment option for colorectal cancer varies according to the stage of cancer- its size, position in the colon or rectum, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and the physical condition of the patient. The most commonly adopted treatment methods are surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and biological medicines.

References:

1. Health Statistics by Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD).

2. Garcia M et al. Global Cancer Facts & Figures. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, 2007.