QATAR Cancer Society (QCS) has launched a campaign titled ‘It’s all about prevention’ to raise public awareness of colorectal cancer  that  is the second most common cancer among both genders in Qatar — first common cancer among men and third most common cancer among women — according to Qatar National Cancer Registry (QNCR) at the Ministry of Public Health.

Dr Hadi Mohamad Abu Rasheed, head of Professional Development and Scientific Research Department at QCS, said: “According to QNCR 2016,  there are more than 150 cases were diagnosed with colon cancer in Qatar , 67 percent of the colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in Qatar were males and 33 percent were females. Out of them, 74 percent cases were non-Qataris. People in the age group of 55-59 years, in both genders, have the highest chance to get the disease.”

Heba Nassar, head of Health Education Department at QCS, said: “This campaign aims to raise awareness about colorectal cancer which is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the colon or the rectum. Most colorectal cancers begin as a growth called a polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some types of polyps can transform into cancer over the course of several years, but not all polyps become cancer.”

She noted that The chance of the disease can be minimized to a great extent my refraining from smoking and controlling body weight.

“Get at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity every week. Physical activity has a demonstrable protective effect against bowel cancer. Limit your consumption of red meat. Studies show that bowel cancer risk is 17-30 percent higher if a person eats 100-120g of red meat every day. Decrease portions or choose chicken or fish instead. In addition, eat more fruits and vegetables,” she added.