Cancer patients need not suffer in silence

KUALA LUMPUR: “If you have cancer, do not keep it to yourself, do not suffer in silence,” says cancer patient Ahmad Zaki Mohd Suhaimi.

A pilot by profession, he has been an active man all the while. Playing squash, swimming, triathlon, and running were among his favourite activities and it never crossed his mind that one day he would hear the most painful three words ‘you have cancer' from his doctor in March 2015.

Ahmad Zaki, 45, shared with Bernama his life's journey ever since he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and how crucial early detection and screening is.

“The symptoms started with constipation and rectal bleeding in December 2014 but I ignored them for a while because I was busy flying, running and cycling. Then I came back to Kuala Lumpur where I started to feel uncomfortable, guessed that something is wrong with my body and I quickly set up an appointment with my doctor in Seremban.

“He checked and told that ‘something is there', and that I need to undergo colonoscopy. The process is not painful but slightly uncomfortable. And then the doctor said, I think you may have serious problem. It could be cancer',” said the Etihad Airways pilot when met during the recent ‘Wear it Blue Forum' here.

Ahmad Zaki recalled how the doctor conducted further tests and thoroughly explained about the illness he encountered before confirming the diagnosis.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts at the colon or the rectum. These cancers are named colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start.

Most colorectal cancers begin as a growth called a polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some types of polyps could turn cancerous over the course of several years but not all polyps turn cancerous.

Ahmad Zaki shared he had no idea how he could be afflicted with cancer as he is active and has no family history of the disease.

“But, this thing (cancer) do not choose whether you are fit or not, and it doesn't come overnight. I had undergone three surgeries since then and moved around with colostomy and urine bags for six months,” said the stage three cancer patient.

The father of four thought he was completely ‘clean' from cancer until doctors found out that there are still active cancer cells near his liver and lungs after positron emission tomography (PET) scan were carried out earlier this February.

Ahmad Zaki remains positive and strong. He still has five more chemotherapy sessions to attend and in between he engages in sports activities and enjoys his favourite meals.

“Thank you to family and friends who have been extremely supportive throughout my journey. Some say ‘kesian' (feel sorry), but it is not that ‘kesian' that you want, just talking with them is enough, I mean not to be left alone,” said the Ahmad Zaki.

Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Datuk Dr Meheshinder Singh said colorectal cancer is a major public health concern yet highly preventable and curable if detected in its early stages.

“It is unfortunate that most colorectal cancer cases are presented to us in the later stages of the disease, it is the second most common cancer in Malaysia currently where it is number one in men and number two in women.

“It is very sad in a country with good healthcare access we are still seeing patients coming in late stages, hence there is a need of proper early screening techniques,” he said.

Thus, Dr Meheshinder advised the public to undergo health screenings and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT), a lab test used to check stool samples for early signs of colorectal cancer.

Though it is unfortunate that people like Ahmad Zaki who has been leading a reasonably healthy lifestyle could end up with cancer, a healthy lifestyle is still important.

Senior Dietitian at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur Ong Min Ying said a healthy lifestyle would eventually change a person's life.

“Stay within healthier weight range, because obesity increases the risk of cancer and our target for Malaysian Body Mass Index is between 18.5 to 22.9. And keep your waist circumference lower than 90cm for men and 80cm for women,” she said.

Ong stressed the need for high fiber intake, limit alcohol intake, being physically active, limit red meat and avoid processed meats to reduce the risk of cancer.

“Try to use low temperature cooking method, bake or steam your food and avoid grilling or deep frying method,” she said.

Ong also suggested one should drink seven to eight glasses of plain water per day in order to stay healthy. -