Regular screening key to colorectal health
Specialists discuss common concerns and treatment options in webinar
During a Gulf News webinar, Dr Amir Nisar, Consultant General Surgeon, Fakeeh University Hospital, explained why colorectal screening was important for maintaining good health. His and Senior Clinical Dietician Reshma Devjani’s tips included eating a balanced diet with a lot of fibre and leaving your library and WhatsApp group outside the bathroom.
“One of the commonest colorectal problems are haemorrhoids,” Dr Nisar explained. “So, following a high-fibre diet and eating proper food is important. But one of the other most important things that I tell all my patients is that they should lose their library in the bathroom. Nowadays, I say to my patients that they should lose their WhatsApp group and replace that with an egg timer.”
What Dr Nisar meant was that you should spend no more than three minutes in the bathroom.
Dr Nisar added that those with a family history of colon cancer may need screening earlier. “If we have a patient with a family history of colon cancer, and if they were diagnosed at a younger age, then the time of the screening has to be brought forward.”
Cancer risks
Risks for colon cancer include being over 50 as this is a time when polyps could form, in addition to smoking, alcohol, eating red meat, increasing weight, and lack of exercise. “Late meals can cause bloating as well as an intolerance such as being lactose-intolerant,” said Devjani. “Diet has an important part to play. If you eat more fibrous food, it helps in the growing and maturation of the gut cells.”