• Experts urge vigilance over blood in stool, changes in defecation pattern  

In order to combat the rising incidence of colorectal cancer, it is necessary to pay attention to the lifestyles of Sri Lankans including how active they are and what sort of food that they consume, according to medical experts.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday (5) marking the colorectal cancer awareness month, they noted that colorectal cancer is becoming a growing concern as 2021 statistics have shown that it is the third most common type of cancer in Sri Lanka, among both males and females. As per the 2022 World Health Organisation statistics, they added, colorectal cancer remains at the third place globally as well, lung cancer being the most common type of cancer and breast cancer being the second most common type of cancer. When it comes to cancer-related deaths, colorectal cancer remains at the second place.

During the media briefing, held by the Health Ministry’s Health Promotion Bureau, it was noted that adopting a fibre-rich diet and being physically active could help alleviate colorectal cancer. It is also necessary to raise awareness about the same, the Deputy Director of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) Dr. Shreeni Alahapperuma explained, adding that people of all ages should be vigilant about the symptoms. If one releases blood with faeces or if one’s general manner of defecating changes for over two weeks, she added, they should seek medical advice.

During the discussion, Community Health Specialist of the NCCP, Dr. Hasarali Fernando, further explained the risk factors pertaining to colorectal cancer. According to her, the lack of a balanced diet especially where there is a lack of fibre, the frequent consumption of processed or red meat, the lack of physical exercises, obesity, diabetes, smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption, and also having a family history of colorectal cancer, which might increase the risk threefold, should be taken into account.