CAIRO - Every patient has the right to receive the best medical care, regardless of race, religion or ability to pay, so the second ‘95 per cent campaign' to raise awareness of the treatment, testing and prevention of colorectal cancer across Egypt has been launched by the CanSurvive foundation. The campaign, which was announced at a press conference held recently in Cairo, is being organised, in collaboration with the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) and runs until the end of March. This initiative is supporting the extensive efforts of those working to raise awareness of the various types of cancers and the health and psychological implications in dealing with it," says Dr Mohsen Mokhtar, professor of clinical oncology at Qasr Al-Aini School of Medicine of Cairo University. Colonic cancer occurs in the large intestine and is known also bowel cancer. It makes up about 13 per cent of all cancer cases as well as being the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, he added. According to Dr Mokhtar, chairman of CanSurvive, if colorectal cancer is detected early, around 95 per cent of patients beat the disease and go on to live long and healthy lives. That is why it is important to understand the factors that contribute to this type of cancer. “If a patient is in a high-risk group he or she should be tested immediately,” he added. “ We are hosting several activities to spread awareness about colonic cancer as well as cancer in general.” In Egypt, the incidence of colonic cancer ranges between 10 and 14 per cent, according to a study approved by the World Health Organisation. Although, this is still low compared to the West, the rate is increasing as a result of changing dietary habits and reliance on junk food. The campaign is being launched in Egypt now so as to raise awareness of a disease that is now widespread across the country," states Dr Yasser Abdel-Qader, professor of oncology and nuclear medicine at Cairo University. “There are always high hopes that patients can be cured of colonic cancer since it responds well to treatment, even in relatively advanced cases. Due to scientific discoveries in cancer treatments, recovery rates have significantly increased from five per cent up to 60 per cent and over," Dr Abdel-Qader adds. The main aim of the initiative is to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of disease, by getting a laparoscopic examination, points out Dr Ahmed Moeness, professor of gastroenterology & hepatology, Ain Shams University School of Medicine. “Cancer can develop for up to 10 years inside the patient's body before the patient starts to complain,” Dr Moeness explains. “In order to encourage people to get tested, we are offering discounted examinations this month to encourage citizens to get check ups,” he added. Dr Alaa Ghannam, the Right to Health Programme Manager of EIPR, stresses that every Egyptian should be granted the right to high-quality early detection services, which should be available through comprehensive insurance coverage. CanSurvive members will set up awareness centres in supermarkets in Cairo and Alexandria as well as leading sporting clubs, where shoppers and sports enthusiasts can learn about colorectal cancer and, more importantly, how to lead healthy lifestyles.
