Lecture – Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Seminar held under supervision of Faculty of Pharmacy

Organized by: Seminar Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi in Collaboration with Roche Pakistan Ltd.
Speaker:  Dr. Nehal Masood, Medical Oncologist, Aga Khan University Hospital.
Topic: Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Date: March 15th 2008
Time: 2:00 pm
Program started with brief introduction to the topic by Prof. Dr.  Iqbal Azhar.
Speaker was introduced by Ms. Tasneem Marium Sajid, Assistant Professor. 

Theme: Awareness about cancer, especially colorectal cancer with reference to its risks, causes, signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention.

DISCUSSION: Cancer is any abnormal growth of cells that could be life threatening. Those which do not spread to other parts are benign while those which spread to other parts are malignant. Cancer can occur in any part of body as it results due to the mutation in any normal DNA.

Most common causes of cancer are genetic predisposition, smoking, food, UV light, radiation therapy, aniline dye and some other chemicals like benzene. To prevent various types of cancers especially colorectal cancer, avoid food that is low in fiber and high in red meat. The red and yellow color vegetables like tomatoes, red cabbage, carrots have such compounds that act as antioxidants and help preventing bowel cancer.

Early diagnosis of cancer is the single most important step and key for providing cure against cancer. Symptoms like abnormal bleeding, unusual and sudden weight loss, anorexia, fatigue, growing lumps, bumps or nodules, if and persists for more than two weeks qualifies for cancer screening. This requires simple screening test e.g. PSA, fecal occult blood testing, colonoscopy, Pap smear and pelvic exam, mammogram etc (all specific for specified cancer).
There are four stages of cancer. Stage I and II are localized; stage III is loco regional and stage IV is extra visage in whole body i.e. spreads all over. This stage is incurable while stages I and II can be treated with surgical removal of cause along with chemotherapy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has strong association with high animal fat and low fiber diet. Its risk can be reduced to 31% with 70% increased fiber diet (13g/day). A first degree relative having CRC increases the risk two to three folds for family members. Age (50+), family history, personal cancer history, polyps in colon, heredity, ulcerative colitis etc are few more risk factors associated with it.

CRC starts with organ’s inner layer (stage I), moves to muscle (stage II), extends to the lymph (stage III) and finally covers the complete organ. Diagnosis can be made by CBC, CT scan, colonoscopy, CEA, PET scan etc. Management and treatment depends upon area and stage of cancer. In colon cancer, surgery is done at stage I. Stage II and III is treated with surgical resection with chemotherapy. For stage IV, surgical removal with palliative chemotherapy is required. Rectal cancer needs chemotherapy and radiation before surgical procedure.

As compared to recent past, chemotherapy of CRC has reached new height due to the availability of variety of chemotherapeutic agents. Better results are observed with growing research and technology. Recently 5-FU, Capecitabine (XELODA), Leucovorin, Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan, Bevacizumab and Cetuximab are used to fulfill the purpose.

Several questions were asked related to CRC as well as other carcinomas e.g. Why Gemcytamine is not used instead of 5-FU? How to use monoclonal antibodies in such carcinomas? etc. All questions were addressed and responded by the speaker. 

Speaker and organizers from Roche Pakistan Ltd. received appreciation awards.
Session ended with vote of thanks by Ms. Tasneem Marium Sajid, Assistan Professor.

End Time: 3:45 pm        
By: Salima Lalani
4th Proff., Pharm. D (Morning Program)