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EarlyDetection
Dr. NurhashimHaron
of
KPJ Tawakkal talks about
the huge difference that
early detection of cancer
canmake.
W
hen
it comes
to the topic
of health and
d i s e a s e s ,
c a n c e r i s
definitely the
most difficult
conversation to have. One that is most
talked about at the moment is colorectal
cancer. Colorectal cancer is the develop-
ment of cancer in the colon or rectum.
It is due to the abnormal growth of cells
that have the ability to invadeor spread to
other parts of the body. InMalaysia, it has
overtaken lungcancer as thesecondmost
common typeof cancer. KPJ ismonitoring
this recent development closely, with
help from specialists like Dr. Nurhashim
Haron, who is the Consultant General and
Colorectal Surgeon for the hospital.
Disturbing trend
“We have noticed this trend in Asian
countries in the recent years. Colorectal
cancer is no longer just a disease of the
Westerners. Due to rising affluence, our
diet and lifestyle choices have evolved
too. Compounded with a high intake of
red meat and not enough fibre, we have
seen an increase in colorectal cancers
over the past years in Malaysia. What
is alarming is that 63% of patients with
colorectal cancer present with stage III
and stage IV*. Therefore, it is important
for all of us, especially here at KPJ, to
promote greater awareness towards the
possibility of colorectal cancer in patients
whopresents early symptoms, especially
thosewitha familyhistoryof cancer,”says
Dr. Nurhashim.
Early detection
Evidently, cancer is currently one of the
most commonly treated diseases at KPJ
as the hospital has all the facilities and ex-
pertiseneeded tomanage it. Laparoscopic
surgeons like Dr. Nurhashim are trained
to manage and treat such cases whilst
offering cancer patients the choice of a
less invasive treatment via laparoscopic
surgery, commonly known as keyhole
surgery.
“As a surgeon we advocate early
detection so that we are able to offer the
removal of the cancerous growth to cure
it. Smaller cancers also allow removal via
minimally invasivesurgery, thus improving
the outcome to the patient. With the
advancement of cancer treatment, I have
had patients diagnosed with early stage
colorectal cancerwhoareable togohome
as early as five days after removal of their
large intestine via laparoscopic surgery.
However, when patients are diagnosed at
a later stage, thecancerwouldhavegrown
too big and spread to other areas making
treatment more complicated,” adds Dr.
Nurhashim.
Avoiding cancer is not quite possible
but we can reduce the risk. There are
always natural ways to do it by ensuring
a balanced diet, a regular bowel habit
and adopting a healthier lifestyle. “If you
are experiencing a sudden change in
bowelmovements that lasts formore than
four to six weeks or blood in stool, you
should immediately see a doctor. Other
symptoms include unexplained weight
loss, tiredness and loss of appetite,” says
Dr. Nurhashim.
Dr Nurhashim giving
consultation to his
patient at the clinic
KPJ Tawakkal Specialist Hospital
202A, Jalan Pahang,
53000Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +603-4023 3599
Email: info@kpjhealthcentre.com
Website: www.kpjhealthcentre.com