Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

On Sakhisizwe we spoke to Professor Michael Herbst Health Specialist at Cansa(Cancer Association of South Africa) about Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal Cancer also known as Colon or Rectum cancer is a small growth of tissue that starts in the lining and grows into a centre of the colon or rectum. Early detection signs and symptoms will change in bowel habits, including diarrhoea, constipation, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort eg: cramps, gas or pain, a feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely, weakness or unexplained weight loss.   

Lifestyle factors that contribute to increased risk of colorectal cancer are the way you eat: Junk food, Red meat, Alcohol, Smoking and Diet. Avoid this by limiting your alcohol intake, quite smoking, add colour in your fruit and veg’s, be active by doing exercise, taking a walk and not sitting whole day in front of a device and stick to white meat.

This is mostly common in the age group from 30-40, as 1 in 75 men will be at risk and 1 in 135 women and this does not mean children can’t be affected.

For more information contact:

Website: www.cansa.org.za

Email: info@cansa.org.za

Tel : 0800 22 66 22

By: Jasnine Roberts