Getting to the bottom of colorectal diseases

Photo courtesy of colorectal-surgeon.net

Diseases of the colon and rectum are more common than you think. Hemorrhoidal disease, for instance, which are swollen fibrovascular cushions in the anus and the lower rectum that result from constant straining during bowel movement, is a common ailment among people in their 50s who have to deal with the itching, discomfort and bleeding symptoms of this disease.

Despite being a common condition, there is still a very limited understanding of colorectal disease by the general public. Awareness is important because some forms of colorectal disease, particularly colon and rectal cancer can be asymptomatic or without clear and notable symptoms. Early detection and diagnosis can help prevent the disease from progressing. In fact, colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country today.

It is high time that people learn more about colorectal disease, said Dr. Manuel Francisco T. Roxas, chief of Colorectal Surgery of Asian Hospital and Medical Center. “It is a must that the public be armed with information on its signs and symptoms, causes, preventive measures and treatment options that are available today. Deaths resulting from colorectal-related illnesses could be prevented when we are aware of the basic information and more importantly, procedures that are available for screening, monitoring and treatment.”

To enlighten the public on colorectal diseases, Dr. Marc Paul J. Lopez of the Division of Colorectal Surgery announced an upcoming symposium that aims to zero in on simple to complex conditions as well as the latest treatment techniques. Dubbed “Colorectal: Getting to the Bottom,” the lay forum is slated on November 13, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Conference Facility Unit of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

Organized by the Department of Surgery, the symposium will tackle colorectal diseases from hemorrhoids to the more dreaded cancer. To be facilitated by Asian Hospital and Medical Center’s top surgeons, topics also included for discussion are advanced treatment procedures for hemorrhoids and fistula-in-ano, screening procedures for colorectal cancer, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating colorectal cancer.

The lay forum is free of charge. For inquiries and pre-registration, call the Marketing Department at 771-9000 to 02 locals 8066 and 8073 and 876-5826 or email marketing@asianhospital.com. Visit www.asianhospital.com for more details.