DNA-based test introduced in UAE for early detection of colon cancer
dubai — The first DNA-based rapid test to detect early colon cancer ‘Colo Alert’ is now being used in the UAE. The test uses “a highly precise molecular-genetic analysis method to detect tumour tissue and increases the rate of detection of colon cancer by almost four times, resulting in a far detailed diagnosis”.
Arabian Healthcare Group Network introduced ‘Colo Alert’ at the Star Metropolis Clinical Laboratories (SMCL) after signing an agreement with Just4Me Genetics LLC, a leading company that provides genetic services. “Given the high incidences of colon cancer in the UAE, there is an urgent need for more preventive measures,” said Dr Raza Siddiqui, CEO of Arabian Healthcare Group.
“The easy access to screening that Colo Alert offers is a huge leap of progress in the UAE health sector. The technology supplements the established occult blood test (through stool samples) for colon cancer with state-of-the-art gene diagnostics, besides examining the possibility of the cancer at genetic level.”
Dr Siddiqui underlined that “the non-invasive procedure with much deeper insight than ever before — around 90 per cent — is instrumental in diagnosing the disease at the earliest possible stage, which often leads to complete cure. This is also one of the reasons why doctors insist on regular screening, particularly for people over the age of 50.”
Colorectal or colon cancer is the second-most common cancer in the world, and second biggest cause of cancer-related deaths in the UAE. The cancer is more prevalent in developed world and as per the American Cancer Society, it is expected to cause about 50,260 deaths during 2017 in the US alone. According to World Health Organisation global statistics, 774,000 people died from the disease in 2015.
However, if detected at an early stage, chances of survival can be as high as 90 per cent, which can otherwise reduce to 10 per cent if the cancer spreads to other organs or tissues.
Bruno Rosset, founder and CEO of Just4Me Genetics, said: “Colo Alert test is also one step closer to the UAE’s aim to reduce cancer by 18 per cent by 2021 and by introducing the test in the UAE, people will stand a far better chance of avoiding colorectal cancer. We have full confidence in Star Metropolis which stands among the prominent clinical labs in the UAE for their cutting edge technology and high professional standards.”