Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. Yet with early detection, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers.
This is why the Department of Health (DoH), in partnership with the World Health Organization, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG), and Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy, will pilot the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program this year.
To be implemented in line with Republic Act No. 11215 or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), the screening program aims to reduce deaths due to colorectal cancer by promoting early detection through fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and colonoscopy.
The pilot screening sites are Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Zamboanga City Medical Center, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
“The DoH National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program will benefit the vulnerable population of Filipinos aged 50 years and older. Those who test positive with FIT should undergo a colonoscopy. The FIT kits will be provided for free while the cost of the colonoscopy can be covered by PhilHealth or our Malasakit Centers,” said Dr. Clarito U. Cairo, Jr., program manager of the National Integrated Cancer Control program, DoH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, at the opening ceremony of Philippine Digestive Health Week (PDHW) this March.
PDHW and National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month are celebrated in March.
FIT is a simple test that can be performed at home. Recommended yearly, it detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. However, FIT cannot diagnose colorectal cancer. As such, individuals with positive FIT results should schedule a colonoscopy with a gastroenterologist.
A colonoscopy is an exam in which a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the gastroenterologist to view the inside of the entire colon and rectum to check for changes or abnormalities.
The UK National Health Service added that one is usually awake during a colonoscopy, and medicine will be offered to make the person going through the test more comfortable.
“Polyps are abnormal tissue growths in the colon and rectum. While most are benign or harmless, some polyps can become cancerous. It takes many years for polyps to develop into colorectal cancer, which provides an opportunity for cancer prevention through polypectomy during colonoscopy. The gastroenterologist can safely remove polyps which are sent for histopathologic analysis to confirm whether these are cancerous or have the potential to transform into cancer,” said internist-gastroenterologist Dr. Dulcinea Balce-Santos, PSG public relations officer.
She added that repeat colonoscopy for surveillance of polyp recurrence is recommended based on the findings of the initial colonoscopy. Regular screening through FIT and colonoscopy are powerful tools in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of early-stage colorectal cancer.
Dr. Balce-Santos stressed that individuals can lower their risk for colorectal cancer by maintaining a healthy weight; engaging in regular physical activity; eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and low in red and processed meats; and refraining from drinking alcohol and cigarette smoking.
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are at the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
