- Nearly 90% of over 40s have not been screened – with a third reluctant to be tested even if directed by their doctor
A new nationwide survey has highlighted an alarming lack of awareness of the risks of colorectal cancer in the UAE and, as a result, not enough people are being screened for this disease that is completely preventable and treatable if caught early.
People in the UAE are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an earlier age than patients in the United States, according to physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
A new nationwide survey has highlighted an alarming lack of awareness of the risks of colorectal cancer in the UAE and, as a result, not enough people are being screened for this disease that is completely preventable and treatable if caught early.
People in the UAE are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an earlier age than patients in the United States, according to physicians at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
More than 1,000 men and women across the UAE were included in the study, which was commissioned by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi as part of its efforts to support Colon Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout March.
More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) said they felt they were not at risk of developing colorectal cancer, with just 23% recognizing that they could develop the often-symptomless disease, which affects both genders. However, the response was greater among respondents in the higher risk age groups, with some 80% of over-40 respondents saying that they do not feel at risk.
Survey participants showed greater awareness of lung, breast, and prostate cancers in the Emirates, with all three types of cancer receiving a higher awareness response.
In line with the lack of overall awareness about colorectal cancer and the preventative benefits of screening for the disease, 88% of participants aged 40+ – the key demographic for prevention – had not been screened for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cause of cancer in Abu Dhabi and the fifth-most common cause of cancer deaths, according to Department of Health statistics. Globally, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping in both men and women for several decades due to rising awareness and better screening programs.
“Colorectal cancer can be prevented or completely removed if it is detected in its early stages. Increasing awareness and, crucially, the number of people being screened for the condition means we will be able to avoid a serious health issue in the future in the UAE,” said Dr. Shafik Sidani, Staff Physician, Colorectal Surgery, part of the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
“Increased awareness has significantly decreased the numbers of colorectal cancer cases in other countries, by encouraging a more proactive approach to screening – we are hoping for similar results in Abu Dhabi and have the expertise and facilities to help our patients prevent this disease from ever developing.”
Physicians in other countries like the U.S. recommend that both men and women schedule a colorectal cancer screening, called a colonoscopy, at the age of 50, and possibly earlier if there is a family history of colorectal cancer. Abu Dhabi Department of Health guidelines suggest that people in the UAE should start screening at 40 years old rather than 50, given the increasing prevalence of earlier onset of the disease in this country.
Colonoscopies, performed on a half-day, outpatient basis under anesthetic at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, are the only way for doctors to detect and remove pre-cancerous cells in the digestive tract, thus preventing colorectal cancer from developing. Upon receiving a negative colonoscopy result, patients do not have to repeat the screening for another 10 years.
To explain why they would refrain from a colonoscopy, 30% of respondents to the survey said they feared the potential pain factor involved in testing, while another 30% were afraid of testing positive for the disease. Also, 15% thought that the screening process would be too embarrassing, while 10% feared any social stigma involved.
“Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has a very culturally aware, ‘patients first’ approach and this extends to our colorectal cancer screening, which is explained fully and transparently before being conducted as quickly, painlessly, and discreetly as possible,” Dr. Sidani continued.
On a positive note, more than 66% of survey participants said they would schedule a colorectal cancer screening if directed to do so by their doctor, underscoring the need for awareness and a preventative approach in the healthcare sector as well.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s colon cancer awareness study was conducted in February 2018, and involved a blind study group of 1,003 people from a wide range of economic groups, ethnicities, and from across the Emirates.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is one of the Department of Health’s approved providers for colorectal cancer screening. To make an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (800 8 2223).
Tips to reduce the risks of colon cancer
- Don’t ignore symptoms
- Know your risk and family history
- Exercise and stop smoking
- Talk to your doctor
- Get a colonoscopy