Economy and Business

Experts warn of increasing colon cancer cases

By Shang Shi and Xiao Wang (China Daily Shanghai Bureau)
Updated: 2010-05-31 14:53

SHANGHAI - Unhealthy diet, changing lifestyles and insufficient exercise have led to increasing cases of colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer, according to experts.

National health departments report colon cancer has become the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in China. Statistics shows that there are around 940,000 new cases of colon cancer globally every year, resulting in 500,000 deaths annually.

Colon cancer has become the third most fatal cancer, according to national health departments. "There is also a trend that more and more young people are affected by colon cancer," said Professor Yao Liqing from the Center of Gastroscopy at the Shanghai-based Zhongshan Hospital.

Experts suggest people to should pay attention to abnormal stool. "It maybe an indication of early-stage colon cancer," he said. Abnormal stool includes changes of stool pattern and stool shape, bleeding stool, diarrhea and constipation.

Early detection increases chances of effective treatment, while patients with late stage colon cancer only have a 10 percent chance of survival. Yet, two thirds of sufferers are not diagnosed with colon cancer until it reaches the late stages, and less than 50 percent of sufferers live for more than five years.

With the development of modern technology, more breakthrough technologies have helped in treating the cancer. The Hangzhou-based Nanomics Biopharm Company recently announced the development of a gene transfection fluorescent reagent, a new therapy to target caner cells in human body.

The fluorescent reagent accurately identifies and destroys the cancerous cells without harming other cells or the body's immune system.

"For a long time, patients have to undergo great physical pain or mental anguish when they have traditional cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy."

The newly developed technology can greatly reduce the a patient's suffering," said Qi Lifeng, a lead researcher of the new technology. Even so, a healthy lifestyle is vital and necessary to prevent colon cancer, according to experts. Regular exercise, weight control and abstaining from smoking and wine are all preventative measures.

Yao also said that people who exercise regularly are 40 to 50 percent less likely to suffer colon cancer.

A healthy and balanced diet is the most important way to prevent colon cancer. People are encouraged to eat sweet potatoes, corn, green vegetables and fresh fruits that are high in carbohydrates and fiber. Fried or smoked food and food high in fat and protein should also be restricted from diets.