Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, coming in third after cardiovascular and cerebrovascular illnesses. But did you know that colon cancer is the Philippines' second most common cancer?
"We're aware of all these cancers, breast cancer, of course, being the most prevalent, then we have lung cancer, reproductive cancers like cervical, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Unfortunately, colon cancer is more widespread than we realize," according to Cardinal Santos Medical Center's (CSMC) Dr. Kristine Monte is a resident oncologist.
As abnormal cell growths or polyps begin to multiply in the colon lining and rectum, colon cancer begins in the large intestine. Colon cancer, like most cancers, can spread to other regions of the body if left untreated.
"Colon cancer can strike anyone, of any gender or age," Monte stated. "Even if you have no family history of colon cancer, you may be at risk if you are prone to heavy drinking and smoking, eating too much-processed foods and red meat, being overweight or obese, or having Type 2 diabetes."
