Early Treatment Of Dyspepsia Can Prevent Ulcer, Colon Cancer - Expert

KINABATANGAN (Sabah, Malaysia), June 28 (Bernama) -- The detection and treatment of Dyspepsia can help prevent the condition from becoming more critical among its patients, according to Head of Sabah Internal Medicine Services, Dr Jayaram Menon. He said Dyspepsia is a pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen which happens at least 12 weeks in a year and could lead to an ulcer or colon cancer if not treated immediately. Those likely to suffer from Dyspepsia are individuals aged 45 and above and are more likely to get colon cancer compared to those below the age of 45, he said at an Endoscopy and Abdomen Scan Check programme, here recently. Dr Jayaram said patients who frequently experience heartburn, weight loss and have other symptoms such as bloody or black stools may have colon cancer, especially those who have a family history of the chronic illness. He said among the main causes of Dyspepsia include prolonged hunger, infection, smoking, drinking alcohol and hereditary factors. "Besides that, frequently consuming painkillers without doctor's advice can also cause colon cancer, especially among senior citizens," he added. Meanwhile, Kota Kinabatangan and Telupid Family Medicine Specialist Dr Afiza Hanun Ahmad as organiser of the programme said it was held for the second time in East Malaysia state of Sabah after it was held in Telupid early this year. Sabah is one of the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. She said 30 rural residents from Kinabatangan, Telupid, Beluran and Lahad Datu came for a check-up and treatment. "They are lucky that the programme is carried out by a team of surgeons from the Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) in Sandakan with cooperation from specialists from other districts such as Lahad Datu and Kota Kinabalu," she said. Also present was HDOK Sandakan director Dr Francis Paul and Kinabatangan Hospital director Dr Aminudin Baki Mohamad. -- BERNAMA