Colorectal cancer or bowel cancer is a significant health concern in Malaysia, ranking as the second most common cancer among Malaysians. According to the Malaysian National Cancer Registry Report, colorectal cancer accounts for 14.1% of all cancer cases in the country.
It is the commonest cancer amongst men, and underscores the need for increased awareness, early detection, and access to advanced treatments. Unfortunately, oftentimes it is diagnosed late, in advanced stage (stage IV), whereby most times cure is not an option, an instead control of the disease is the aim of cancer treatment.
A Patient’s Journey: The Misconception of the “No Sugar Diet”
I remember seeing a young patient in her late thirties, who was diagnosed with late stage colorectal cancer. Fearful of the side effects of chemotherapy, she decided to adopt a “no sugar diet” in the hope that starving the cancer cells of sugar would cause them to die. This belief, while well-intentioned, is based on a common misconception. Cancer cells, like all cells in the body, require glucose to function, but simply eliminating sugar from the diet is not an effective treatment for cancer.
I continue to see her in clinic, and as months go by, her weight reduced significantly. She requested a scan to review the progress of her dietary restriction. It was devastating news for her when she found out her cancer has progressed. Unfortunately she succumbed to her illness very soon after the scan.
The Role of Scientific Discoveries in Cancer Treatment
Cancer biology has made significant strides in understanding the mechanisms of cancer development and progression. Therefore simplistic approach of cutting out sugar from a healthy diet will not prevent the cancer from progressing. Our normal cells need glucose to continue working efficiently to kill cancer cells. Researchers have identified multiple hallmarks of cancer, including sustained proliferative signalling, evasion of growth suppressors, resistance to cell death, and activation of invasion and metastasis. These discoveries have paved the way for the development of targeted therapies that specifically address these pathways.
For instance, targeted therapies that inhibit specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival have shown promising results in treating colorectal cancer. These therapies are designed to interfere with the cancer’s ability to grow and spread, offering an added treatment to chemotherapy backbone for colorectal cancer management.
The Importance of Clinical Trials
Evidence based medicine is an important cornerstone in cancer therapy. Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing cancer treatment. They provide patients with access to cutting-edge therapies and contribute to the development of new and improved treatments. In Malaysia, there has been a significant increase in participation of global clinical trials for colorectal cancer, leading to the availability of newer targeted therapies, and this effort must be celebrated!
Representation of our Malaysian patients in global clinical trial for new drug development is crucial to move our understanding of cancer therapeutics further, and develop effective treatment for our nation. Not all patients are suited to enter into clinical trial, but it’s important to discuss this with your treating doctor to understand your options.
Conclusion
Throughout my career, I have met many patients who fall prey to myths or beliefs that lack evidence. It is essential to rely on scientifically proven treatments during your cancer journey and to discuss these treatments with your doctors to gain their perspective.
One crucial message to remember is that early diagnosis can save lives. If you haven’t already, book an appointment with your doctor to discuss a faecal occult blood test. This non-invasive procedure checks for microscopic traces of blood in your stool. If the test is positive, further investigation with a colonoscopy is necessary.
Stay empowered and proactive in discussing your health and screening options with your doctor. Early diagnosis can make all the difference in effectively treating colorectal cancer and improving outcomes.
