12% of all the cancers detected in the UAE are Colorectal Cancers. Its incidence has been rising over the years.
Factors that increase the risk of colorectal cancer include age (typically affecting people over 50, although younger people can also develop the condition if they aren’t detected earlier or the symptoms are ignored), a family history of the disease, a personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and a diet high in red or processed meats.
Regular screening from the age of 40 is crucial for the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits (such as persistent diarrhea or constipation), abdominal pain or cramping, unintended weight loss, and fatigue.
It is likely to be easier to treat colorectal cancer if it is diagnosed early.
About the Author
Dr. Privitera is the only surgeon in the world with both a Mayo Clinic (Rochester, USA) and University of London Colorectal Surgery Fellowship. He completed an advanced laparoscopic and robotic fellowship in Seoul, South Korea.
He previously served as Lead Colorectal Surgeon at Tawam Hospital–Johns Hopkins Abu Dhabi and Associate Professor at UAE University.
He is a Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery (FASCRS), Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS), and author of over 70 peer-reviewed publications. He also served as General Secretary of the Emirates Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery (2021–2024).
He practices across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.