Expert: Colon cancer No. 3 cancer in RP

MANILA, Philippines – Colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer affecting Filipinos, a cancer expert said yesterday.

Citing a survey of the Philippine Cancer Society, Dr. Antonio Villalon, an oncologist and professor at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, said that colorectal – or colon and rectum – follows lungs and breast as the most common cancer sites in the Philippines.

“The risk factors include family history, a diet that is high in fat but deficient in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It concerns lifestyle,” he said in a telephone interview.

Actress Kris Aquino yesterday announced that her mother, former President Corazon Aquino, has colon cancer

The risk of developing colon cancer increases after the age of 50, Villalon said.

Symptoms of colon cancer include “a change in bowel habits such as recurrent diarrhea and constipation, particularly with the presence of abdominal discomfort, weight loss, unexplained anemia, and blood in the stool,” according to the Department of Health (DOH) website.

Unfortunately, early colon cancer is “asymptomatic” or does not manifest symptoms. There is also no efficient screening method for early detection.

“The mistaken obsession of our physicians with amoebiasis and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease had for decades been a major factor that had delayed diagnosis of colon cancer. The wider availability of antidiarrheals, antibiotics and amoebecides may have worsened the situation,” the DOH maintained.

The DOH said “too many physicians still insist on giving vitamin preparations and hematinics for chronic unexplained weight loss and anemia without looking for the cause.”   – Sheila Crisostomo