ADPHC revises recommendations for early colorectal cancer screening

According to the new recommendations, all members of the community, aged 40 years and above, are advised to  undergo a blood in stool test, known medically as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), once a year or a colonoscopy every ten years.

Abu Dhabi Public health Center advises people who are more susceptible to the disease such as those with hereditary genes, family medical history, as well as those with irritable colon or inflammation, to perform colonoscopy once a year or every five years, at their physician's discretion.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to make prevention a way of life for the community of Abu Dhabi and to achieve our vision of 'A Healthier Abu Dhabi', we have updated our early screening recommendations for colorectal cancer. The new recommendations are in accordance with the latest scientific research, global endorsements and the highest levels of prevention standards for this type of cancer." commented Dr. Shereena Al Mazrouei Manager of Non-communicable diseases Dept.

Dr. Shereena Al Mazrouei added, “We call upon community members and healthcare providers to comply with the new recommendations on the early screening for colorectal cancer, which are essential preventive measures that identify the presence of polyps in time before they lead to any symptoms or become cancerous.”

The DoH’s statistics indicate that since 2012, an estimation of 845 colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed in Abu Dhabi, 42% of which were detected in early stages as a result of the routine screening.