Dulcolax partners with Carewell Community Campaign on colorectal cancer on

MANILA, Philippines - Colonoscopy may seem uncomfortable but there’s no question that its benefits far outweigh the inconvenience and discomfort as it detects colorectal cancer early.

However, not many Filipinos actually get screened, and some are not even aware that these screenings are available to them. Some who are quite knowledgeable carry that misconception that they should only go for it when they get old or unless their doctor advises them, which is oftentimes a little late already. It does not have to be that way.

Colorectal cancer, more commonly known as colon cancer, occurs due to an abnormally rapid and excessive rate of cell growth and proliferation anywhere in the colon, with ability to spread to nearby or distant organs, explains Dr. Jaime Ignacio, a gastroenterologist-internist practitioner.

He adds that this type of cancer is regulated by hereditary, environmental and dietary factors and usually occurs in advanced age, but may also occur much earlier in some people.

Middle-aged individuals, males, smokers, those with poor dietary habits and overweight people with a sedentary lifestyle are at higher risk for colon cancer. Individuals who have a positive family history of colorectal cancer are also more likely to develop this cancer. 

Among its symptoms are recent unexplained changes in bowel movement patterns and stool consistency, bloody or blood streaked stools, recent unexplained weight loss, feelings of incomplete stool evacuation, anemia or pallor, and generalized body weakness.

On the other hand, Ignacio warns that there may be no symptoms at all during the early stages.

Like most cancers, it is potentially fatal if left undetected and in the advanced stage.

Colon cancer is also one of the most common types of cancer. Based on research, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. According to the Philippine Cancer Society, recent statistics show that at least 8,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly and steadily increasing.

Despite the seemingly alarming and hard-to-digest figures, Filipinos can still free themselves of colon cancer, which is preventable and 90-percent curable with early detection through screening.

Although colonoscopy is the most accurate of colon cancer tests, it’s also more expensive especially for the average Filipino. To help cover the costs of these screenings and help save lives of many people from colon cancer, Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and Carewell Community have teamed up for the advocacy campaign called Lifesaver.

This also allows them to further promote the importance of colon cancer screening, as well as to engage the public and physicians in raising awareness about colon cancer.

“We wanted to partner with a group whose sole purpose is to help those afflicted or affected by this dreadful disease, such as the Carewell Community. They are a non-profit foundation that provides support, education, and hope to persons with cancer and their loved ones. It is a fitting partnership to help save lives,” says Jo-Ann Ramos, brand manager of Dulcolax. “We saw it as a great opportunity to increase colon cancer awareness. The objective is really just to make people aware that they should get screened early on to prevent or detect early colon cancer. With the Lifesaver partnership, we can all be lifesavers,” adds Ramos.

Lifesaver will be gearing out various programs to effectively spread the lifesaving message to as many people as possible. Social media will be used through the Colon Care PH Facebook page — a dedicated digital folio that shares information and tips about colonoscopy, colon cancer and colon wellness in general.

In addition, Lifesaver will also conduct a series of presentations in various hospitals to gain support from medical practitioners to encourage people at risk to get screened. This is particularly for those that have reached the age of 40 and above. It is said that those in that age bracket are more susceptible to acquiring the disease. The campaign has tapped experienced gastroenterologists and one of them is Ignacio.

“Carewell believes in the importance of cancer prevention, going for regular testing, resulting in early detection and treatment. Having a colonoscopy is essential to this, and this is where Lifesaver comes in,” says Robert “Bobbit” Suntay, managing director of the Cancer Resource and Wellness (Carewell) Community.

He adds: “We are one with Dulcolax in providing early detection and helping save lives of many people from colon cancer.”

Another key program of the Lifesaver campaign is the Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) Lifesaver packs. “Dulcolax, the no. 1 prescribed laxative in our country, is generally known to provide effective relief for constipation sufferers. But what most Filipinos don’t know is that it is also used for colon screenings,” says Ramos.

Available in key drugstores, portion of the proceeds from the Lifesaver pack will go to sponsored colonoscopies.

This Lifesaver campaign is a significant opportunity to play a role in winning the battle against colon cancer. By helping spread the Lifesaver message, you also help save lives.

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To know more about colon cancer and colonoscopy, visit facebook.com/ColonCarePH.