Thread by @nigonlinedoctor

It was really sad to wake up to the news of the passing away of one of my favorite Hollywood movie icon "CHADWICK BOSEMAN" popularly known as "BLACK PANTHER".

He was reported to have died after 4 years of battling with Colon Cancer.
@DrJohnAfam @DrNgoziOnuoha @DrZobo @DrA_001

Black Panther was Said to have been diagnosed of stage 3 cancer in 2016 & despite being on Chemotherapy, he managed to give us countless moment of Joy.

May his soul RIP #WakandaForever

In memory of him,we would be talking today about #ColonCancer
@aproko_doctor @trending_medic

What is colon or rectum cancer?

Cancer can start any place in the body. Cancer that starts in the colon or rectum is called colorectal cancer. It starts when cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. This makes it hard for the body to work the way it should. @drpenking

Most Nigerians are not aware of colon cancer; yet it is one of the most common cancers globally.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in Nigerian men (after prostate & liver cancer) & the fourth most common cancer in Nigerian women (after breast, cervical & liver cancer).

Every day, a Nigerian is diagnosed of colon cancer. About 80% of Nigerians diagnosed of colon cancer die from it.

The colon & rectum (in our local tongue is called abodi, afoanu, etc).
They are the last part of the bowel that absorbs water and salt from the food matter to form.

faeces or stool that then passes from the body. It is where faeces is stored until it passes out of the body through the anus.
Most colorectal cancers develop slowly, over 10 to 15 years.
A number of factors can affect a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer like: diet..

weight, exercise, smoking and heavy alcohol.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- change in bowel habit such as diarrhea, constipation
- narrowing of the stools
- a feeling that you need to pass stool that is not relieved by doing so (tenesmus)
- rectal bleeding @docneto

- blood in the stool which may make it look dark (although stool may look normal),
- cramping or belly pain,
- weakness and fatigue,
- unintended weight loss &
- rarely fever

@JemeAdomi @amuta_ann @Anita_Izato @AdaErema @flakydancindoc @KelvinOssai @olawalesmd @nma_halliday

In most people, colorectal cancer may not have obvious signs and symptoms in the early stages. So, people should not wait for symptoms.

Hence, it is recommended to screen people from the age of 40.

@TWEETORACLE @ChiefPharmacst @weebiter @YemisiIkumelo @segalink @donlaz4u

How can we prevent colon cancer?
With lifestyle modification & regular screening, we can catch it in the early stages. These measures include:
- intake of diet high in fibre, such as fruits, vegetable and whole grains and low in red meat (such as beef, pork, lamb or liver) &...

processed meat (such as hot dogs & sausage) as well as liberal intake of water.
Reduction of weight, avoidance of smoking & excessive alcohol while increasing the amount of exercise can also help reduce chances of Colon Cancer.
@TobiFolami
@Timileh1n @TimilehinEburu @UjuBless

Above all, eligible individuals should undergo screening as recommended.

This can prevent colorectal cancer because, with regular screening, most polyps can be found & removed before they become cancers. Screening results in finding colorectal cancer early, when it is curable.

What kind of treatment will I need?

There are many ways to treat colorectal cancers, but the main types are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy & targeted therapy.

Two or more types of treatment may be used at the same time.

See a doctor to know the best therapy for you

In Summary, cancers can be prevented or Cured if the are Detected early!!

#Earlydetection is the key to a longer & more comfortable life in most people with risks of cancers.

There are available screening tests for most cancers!!

Spread the message
Cancers are preventable!