Colorectal Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

The multidisciplinary Colorectal Cancer Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides state-of-the-art, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care for patients with colorectal cancer in the region.

Colorectal cancer is any cancer affecting the colon or rectum, also known as bowel, colon, or rectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UAE affecting both women and men. It usually affects people over the age of 40, however over the last decade the number of cases affecting younger age groups has increased, internationally and locally according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Screening tests can detect colorectal cancer early and increase the chance of successful treatment and survival. Regular screening can also reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer altogether. Our Colorectal Cancer Screening Program offers the UAE’s largest AI endoscopy center, supporting earlier, more accurate detection of colorectal cancer and better prevention of the disease.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Why Choose Us?

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Colorectal Cancer Program works in close collaboration with Cleveland Clinic main campus in the US. This world class collaboration allows us to explore the best medical and surgical options to ensure the most successful outcome for each patient.

Our team of specialists, including hepatobiliary and colorectal surgeons, and medical and radiation oncologists, meet weekly to review every patient case for multidisciplinary clinical management decisions, tailoring treatment plans to their patients’ needs and seeking to further improve colorectal cancer care.

We also work closely with the patient and their family to provide the best chance of cure with a focus on improving quality-of-life.

What We Treat

The Colorectal Cancer Program treats the following conditions:

Anal cancer
Colon cancer
Genetic syndromes causing colorectal polyps and cancer such as Lynch Syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
Large colorectal polyps
Metastatic colorectal cancer
Rectal cancer
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST’s) of the colon and rectum
Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid tumors) of the colon and rectum
Presacral or retro rectal tumors.

Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is a change in your bowel habits. This includes noticing blood in the toilet, persistent bloating or pain in the lower abdomen when you eat and unintentional weight loss or loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, you should see a specialist. However, in the early stages of colorectal cancer, there may be no symptoms, which is why screening is important.

Causes & Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer

The cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, but there are some things that may increase your chances of developing it. These include:

Age: Most people with colorectal cancer are over 40
Family history: Having a close relative who developed the disease at a young age puts you at greater risk
Diet: Colorectal cancer is more common in those with a diet that is high in fat and processed meats and low in fiber
Weight: If you are overweight or obese, and you do not exercise, your risk is higher
Smoking: Smoking may increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Prevention & Screening

In the UAE, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer among males, the third most common cancer in females, and it is a leading cause of cancer deaths. The number of colorectal cancer cases in adults under 50 is increasing and it is estimated that more than 41% of cases in the UAE are found in adults under the age of 40.

But Colorectal Cancer is preventable if caught early.

As symptoms of colorectal cancer often don't appear until the later stages of the disease, when it is more difficult to treat, screening can help catch it as soon as possible, with up to 90% of cases being successfully cured if detected early.

Routine screening is recommended for everyone over the age of 40. If you are considered at high-risk, screening should happen every year.

If you are over 40, schedule your colonoscopy today. It could save your life.

The Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi specializes in the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. Screening tests include:

Colonoscopy: The gold standard in colorectal cancer screening, the procedure is done while asleep using a long, flexible tube with a camera to look at the entire colon and rectum and allows the detection and removal of polyps in the colon.
Sigmoidoscopy: A test using a long, flexible tube with a camera which looks at the lower end of the large intestine.
Stool test: A tool sample is sent to the laboratory and examined for signs of cancer.

In addition to regular screening, increasing physical activity, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco can all help to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Our Female Endoscopy Team

Often, women are reluctant to come forward for colorectal cancer screening, due to fear or embarrassment. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we offer an Endoscopy Team ‘For Women, By Women’. Led by our female gastroenterologist and supported by a team of nurses, physicians, and admin staff who are all women, we provide compassionate care in a culturally sensitive environment.