The Malaysian Society of Colorectal Surgeons (MSCRS) is organising a Virtual Run - RUN FROM COLORECTAL CANCER - as part of our Colorectal Cancer Awareness campaign in conjunction with the Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in March 2023.
Objective
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the highest cancers in Malaysia. It affects more male than females; and the age onset traditionally in the 50s.
However, the trend over the recent years in Malaysia and also globally is that younger patients are presented with the disease. Unfortunately, according to the National Cancer Registry, the majority of patients with CRC in Malaysia present at a later stage (Stage III and IV) which resulted in poorer outcomes.
It is important for the public to be aware of this disease particularly its early symptoms, which is potentially curable if it is detected at an early stage. Studies have shown that detection of early colorectal cancer provides better outcomes. By raising awareness on Colorectal Cancer in Malaysia especially on the importance of early screening will help in early detection of the CRC which can provide better outcomes for the patient.
The objectives of the Colorectal Cancer Awareness Run are:
- To raise awareness to the public on colorectal cancer
- know the symptoms and signs of CRC and the importance of early detection via screening
- where and how to perform screening via faecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy.
- To encourage the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to exercise as a means of prevention of CRC because obesity has been associated as a risk factor for cancer.
We hope this programme will encourage healthy habits including exercise and a healthy diet in cancer prevention. The run will be launched during the Coloproctology Conference 2023 and the duration of the run will be throughout Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in March and to April 2023.