Abu Dhabi police educates the public on colon cancer

The Medical Services Department at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ launched an awareness campaign to educate community members on benefits of prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. The campaign will be carried out throughout the month of March at a number of locations across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region, and will conclude with a parade on the Abu Dhabi's Corniche.The Medical Services Department will use a life-size replica of the colon to acquaint the public with the various stages of the disease in a simple way, so that the concepts could be easily understood by the public, with a view to enhance their knowledge of colon cancer. The department will also be distributing awareness brochures and pamphlets about coloncancer;itscauses,symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention methods, as well as the need for regular medical checks.The campaign kicked off at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, a subsequent event was then organized at Marina Mall and the Ministry of Interior's headquarters. The campaign will continue with multiple events that cover the cities of Al Ain and the Western region, as well as football stadiums.The Abu Dhabi Police staff members got up close and personal to the giant human colon replica that was displayed by the Medical Services Department. They were given valuable advice by the medical team on causes of the disease and means of prevention.Colonel Jassem Al Tunaiji, Head of the Medical Services Department at Abu Dhabi Police, said that the Medical Services Department aims to enhance health education across the country, and to support the efforts exerted by relevant entities in this regard. "This will enhance the Abu Dhabi Police's partnership with community members, and supports its efforts to increase their awareness in various areas, including the health issues," he added.Adding further, Colonel Al Tunaiji said: "The Medical Services Department at Abu Dhabi Police dedicates significant attention to the health of its staff members, their families and community members in general. To this end, it strives to organize awareness and education campaigns throughout the year, and to participate in various medical events, including joining world countries in marking the Colorectal Cancer Awareness campaigns during the month of March of each year, through introductory and preventive campaigns regarding this disease." Dr. Sameh Muhammad Fakhry, Gastroenterology and Hepathology Consultant at the Medical Services Department of Abu Dhabi Police stressed the importance of following the best preventive practices. He added that the campaign aims to enable community members to avoid the causes of colorectal cancer, by acquainting them with the disease and its risks.He said that early detection means looking for any changes or tumors that could develop into cancer in healthy people who show no symptoms of any kind. "Early detection of colorectal cancer means looking for benign tumors that could turn into cancerous cells, and these tumors should be removed before they turn into cancerous tumors," he continued.Furthermore, he advised people to consult their doctor to choose the best method. "We generally recommend a colonoscopy, since it is a diagnostic and preventative treatment at the same time. Undergoing a colonoscopy will allow doctors to remove any benign tumors (polyposis) that could turn into cancerous tumors within 10 years if they are not removed," explained Dr. Fakhry.Moreover, Major Tariq Al Junaibi, Health Education Branch Manager at the Medical Services Department urged early detection saying: "People aged 40-75, both men and women, must undergo a colonoscopy once every 10 years or test for blood in the stool once every two years".In conclusion, he indicated that cancer is the third major cause of death in Abu Dhabi. He noted that colorectal cancer is a common type of cancer in the Emirate and it comes in second place as the cause of death in men after lung cancer, and the second cause of death in women after breast cancer.